Overview
- The sentence was handed down on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, when State Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro ordered Steven Schwally to serve 25 years to life following his conviction.
- The case stems from a June 28, 2024 crash in which Schwally’s SUV plowed into the Hawaii Nail & Spa in Deer Park, killing four people and injuring nine others.
- Prosecutors presented evidence that Schwally had a blood-alcohol level of 0.17%, purchased bottled Long Island iced teas near the salon, and was driving about 78 mph before entering the storefront.
- The defense argued mechanical or medical causes, saying Schwally’s leg may have locked on the accelerator and that the blood test could have been contaminated, but those claims did not prevent conviction or the maximum sentence.
- Victims and family members described long-term physical injuries, PTSD and losses in court and prosecutors noted Schwally’s prior DWI history as part of their push for the maximum term, a decision likely to be read as a firm statement on accountability for deadly drunk driving.