Overview
- A Suffolk County grand jury returned a 19-count indictment that includes aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter and aggravated vehicular assault.
- Matthew Smith, 20, pleaded not guilty in Riverhead and was ordered held without bail.
- Prosecutors say toxicology put his blood alcohol content at 0.20 and evidence shows speeds up to 125 mph before he ran a red light at Route 347 and Alexander Avenue in Saint James.
- Bar footage described in court shows patrons urging him not to drive as he dangled his keys, and passenger videos posted shortly before the crash depict swerving, blown stops and high speeds.
- Officer Espinosa, 42, is survived by her husband and young daughter, and the family’s attorney condemned the defense’s “tragedy for everyone” characterization as Smith faces up to 25 years if convicted.