Christopher Long, Jr. sentenced to 8 and 1/3 – 25 years for causing the deaths of Aleci Lopez and Skylar Swift

News release from DA Sandra Doorley

Rochester, NY- On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 26-year-old Christopher Long, Jr. was sentenced by New York State Supreme Court Justice Walsh to the maximum sentence allowed by law, 8 and 1/3 to 25 years in the New York State Department of Corrections. He was previously convicted by a Monroe County jury of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, two counts of Manslaughter in the 2^nd Degree, two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2^nd Degree, Driving While Intoxicated, and Driving While Intoxicated; BAC .08 or more for causing the death of Aleci Lopez and Skylar Swift.

On November 22, 2024, New York State Troopers responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash near the Culver Road Exit on I-490. Upon arrival, they found a single-car crash involving a vehicle crashed into a tree. There were four individuals inside the car, which was driven by Christopher Long, Jr. 18-year-old Skylar Swift was pronounced dead at the crash site. 23-year-old Aleci Lopez suffered serious injuries and was immediately transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. 

Following a thorough investigation by the New York State Police, it was determined that Christopher Long, Jr., who was intoxicated, was driving the vehicle east when he left the roadway, struck a barrier, overturned and struck a utility pole, before crashing into a tree near the Culver Road exit. He was arrested for causing the deaths of the victims. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Drew Kroft, of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.

“Today’s sentencing marks the close of a tragic chapter, but it can never undo the profound loss caused by Christopher Long, Jr.’s actions,” said Assistant District Attorney Drew Kroft. “While we are gratified that the court imposed the maximum sentence permitted, no amount of time behind bars can bring back Aleci Lopez and Skylar Swift. Their deaths were the result of reckless and preventable choices, choices that forever changed countless lives. This sentence is a solemn acknowledgment of that, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. Our deepest sympathy remains with the families, who will carry this pain for the rest of their lives.”

“Aleci Lopez and Skylar Swift were young women with their entire lives ahead of them,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. “They had plans, families who loved them, and futures that were stolen. Christopher Long, Jr.’s reckless and selfish choices led to unthinkable loss, not only for Aleci and Skylar, but for every person who loved them. He chose to drink. He chose to drive. And he chose to ignore the passenger who cautioned him about his speed. Those choices shattered lives. Although he received the maximum sentence, the impact of his reckless behavior will be forever felt by the victims’ families.”