New fees had been introduced in Suffolk County Court docket in opposition to Matthew Smith, the person alleged to be chargeable for inflicting the loss of life of Officer Patricia Espinoza in a car crash on Lengthy Island.
In accordance with the investigation, Smith was driving whereas intoxicated and ran a purple mild. The prosecution shared additional particulars in court docket relating to his alleged reckless conduct on January 31—the day of the tragedy.
“Different patrons on the bar informed him, ‘You shouldn’t be driving.’ Not solely did he ignore them, however he really dangled his automotive keys in entrance of their faces, as if to say, ‘I’m going to drive,’” stated Raymond A. Tierney, the Suffolk County District Lawyer.
This motion was captured on video whereas he was consuming alcoholic drinks on the James Joyce institution in Patchogue, Lengthy Island, in keeping with the prosecution.
Matthew Smith, 20, now faces 19 fees—together with aggravated vehicular murder, probably the most severe cost, which carries a possible jail sentence of 8 to 25 years. He additionally faces fees of second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, and different violations.
“Let’s be clear about one factor: this was not an accident; this was a complete disregard for human life,” stated Tommy Shevlin, President of the PBA. “For our households, our kids, and everybody else on the street, any one in every of them may have been injured or killed.”
Notably, a video recorded by a passenger within the defendant’s car shortly earlier than the tragedy—in keeping with the prosecution—demonstrates the suspect’s indifference towards the regulation and the protection of others.
The prosecution alleges that Smith was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck at speeds reaching 125 to 128 miles per hour (mph) all through the evening, and that he was touring at 70 mph when he ran a purple mild and struck Officer Espinosa’s Alfa Romeo. In accordance with stories, Smith’s blood alcohol stage was 0.20%—greater than double the authorized restrict—roughly 40 minutes after the accident.
“We’re going to vigorously prosecute this case with the total weight of the regulation,” Tierney stated.
Smith’s legal professional declined to touch upon Friday as he was accompanied by the defendant’s mother and father.
The sufferer’s husband additionally appeared in court docket, accompanied by different relations.
Officer Espinosa, 42, was a nine-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Division. On the time of the lethal accident, she was on her approach to work. Along with her husband, she is survived by a 2-year-old daughter.
The following listening to within the case is scheduled for April 20, though the defendant—who stays in jail with out bail—shouldn’t be required to be current.
