McGrath charged with manslaughter, DWAI

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 - 18:54
Thomas F. McGrath

Thomas F. McGrath

Thomas F. McGrath, 71, of Slingerlands, was arrested by Bethlehem Police on Tuesday on charges stemming from a two-car crash on May 11 that killed 17-year-old Michael J. Kleinke of Colonie.

McGrath, according to a July 25 release from Bethlehem Police, has been charged with two felonies — aggravated vehicular manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter — and with a misdemeanor, driving while ability impaired by drugs, as well as with several Vehicle and Traffic Law violations

McGrath was arraigned in Bethlehem Town Court and bail was set at $75,000 bond or $50,000 cash. McGrath did post a bond, the release said, and was released under the supervision of Albany County Probation and his driver’s license was suspended pending prosecution. A return date was set for August 15, 2023 at 4:00 PM.

The two cars collided on  State Route 85 near the Albany city line in the afternoon of May 11.

Two days later, the South Colonie schools superintendent, David Perry, posted a letter on the district’s website, mourning the loss of Kleinke, a high school senior.

“Let us come together as a compassionate and supportive community, offering our support and comfort to one another as we mourn the loss of a bright and promising young individual,” wrote Perry.

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