In a tragic turn of events nearly two years ago, Mamadou Bathily, a 70-year-old man, has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident that claimed the life of the heroic Park Slope nanny, Arcellie “Cellie” Muschamp.
The NYPD announced this development on Thursday, revealing that Bathily was apprehended on Wednesday. The charges brought against Bathily include failure to yield to pedestrians and failure to exercise due care, stemming from the fateful day on December 20, 2021.
On that day, Bathily allegedly struck Muschamp, 52, and a one-year-old boy named Rowan, whom she was caring for, at the intersection of Union Street and 5th Avenue. The collision occurred as they were crossing the street in the designated crosswalk.
In a selfless act of courage, Muschamp, upon realizing the imminent danger posed by Bathily’s pickup truck, shoved Rowan’s stroller out of harm’s way, ultimately saving the child’s life.
Although Rowan emerged unscathed, Muschamp was found unconscious in the aftermath of the collision. She was promptly rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in critical condition and sadly succumbed to her injuries nearly two weeks later.
Bathily was arrested on December 6, 2023, at approximately 4 p.m. Following his apprehension, he was released without bail in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Wednesday, with an anticipated court appearance scheduled for January.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, the grieving parents of Rowan, Patrick Mullen, and Katie Duhaime initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Muschamp’s memory.
Describing her as “truly our hero,” Mullen expressed profound heartbreak over losing such a wonderful soul, emphasizing the belief that Muschamp is now watching over everyone from above.
Source: brooklynpaper.com
