Bail Set at $150k in Hit-and-Run Case

Bail was set on Tuesday for a Coram man who reportedly hit a Coram woman while she was out for a jog in late June, and later died as a result of her injuries.

According to Newsday, bail was set at $150,000 cash or $300,000 bond for 31-year-old Thomas Costa, who remains charged with leaving the scene of an accident without reporting, a felony. He is due back in court on Sept. 9.

Authorities have said that Costa hit 56-year-old Karen Benjamin while she was running on Canal Road in Mt. Sinai on June 23, proceeding to flee the scene of the crash and hide his damaged car at hit parents' home just over two miles away.

Benjamin underwent brain surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital two days after the hit-and-run, but was later pronounced dead in mid-July after attempts to repair the damage were unsuccessful. 

Costa, an ex-con out on parole following a second-degree attempted burglary charge, reportedly told his parents – whom authorities said were cooperative during the investigation – that his car was vandalized at a night club in Patchogue. Suffolk County Police said the found it with a smashed windshield and blood spattered on the car.

According to Newsday, Costa's lawyer has stated that it's unlikely that he will make bail.

Click here to read the Newsday article (subscription required).