A Queens man pleaded not guilty in the fatal beating of a man Saturday in Baldwin following a car crash.

Police say a car blew a stop sign and then made a right turn with no headlights on around 11 p.m. That car collided with a minivan on Schuman Place and Forest Avenue.

Prosecutors say both drivers got out of their cars and the 54-year-old driver of the minivan, David McKenzie, was beaten to death by 26-year-old Patrick Destine as he was walking away.

"He pushed him to the ground and began to violently punch him, and stomp him and kick him in the head," says Det. Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick.

Prosecutors say Destine was yelling, "I should kill you; I should kill you" as he kicked McKenzie to death.

Police say Destine then went through the victim's personal belongings.

The 26-year-old is facing charges of murder in the second degree and DWI for having a blood alcohol level of .12 while behind the wheel.

"These are just allegations, we're not looking to rush to any judgement," said attorney Robert Tsigler.

The victim's family says the assault happened just feet from their home. They say he was a grandfather, father of two and a Navy veteran.

"It is a wound that is going to take a very long time to heal," says McKenzie's sister-in-law Vivian Williams.

Destine has a prior violent felony conviction. Police say while in jail, he was charged with possession of a weapon.

He is due back in court on Wednesday.