Overview
- Matthew Smith, 20, was arraigned in Suffolk County, entered a not guilty plea, and remains held on high bail after his driver’s license was suspended.
- In court, prosecutors presented social-media videos allegedly showing Smith weaving through traffic and hitting about 125 mph before the crash.
- Black-box data indicated the pickup was traveling over 70 mph with the accelerator nearly fully pressed one second before impact and no braking recorded.
- The judge set bail at $1 million cash, $2 million bond, or $10 million partially secured, as prosecutors noted Smith’s reported .20 blood alcohol level and prior traffic citations.
- A funeral Mass for Officer Patricia Espinosa drew hundreds, and community efforts including LI Pizza Strong and a GoFundMe are raising funds for her husband and young daughter.