LI Driver, 18, Indicted After Crash That Killed Motorist: DA

WEST BABYLON, NY — A West Babylon resident was indicted Friday after a crash that killed a motorist in April, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Nicholas Apostolides, 18, was indicted on a manslaughter charge; he was speeding while occupied on his cell phone before crashing into another vehicle, killing 63-year-old David Martinez, of West Babylon, in April, Tierney said.

According to the investigation, on April 16, 2023, at about 5:35 a.m., Apostolides was driving northbound on Straight Path in West Babylon while using his cell phone, when he drove through a red light and crashed into Martinez’s vehicle, Tierney said.

Martinez was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital, where he died from the injuries he sustained in the crash, the DA said.

Officers recovered video surveillance of the crash, which reportedly showed Apostolides driving at a high rate of speed through a traffic light that had been red for several seconds prior to the impact, Tierney said.

On Friday, Apostolides was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz, for charges including one count of second-degree manslaughter, a felony; one count of second-degree reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor; and one count of reckless driving, a misdemeanor, Tierney said.

Justice Horowitz ordered that Apostolides be placed on supervised release and suspended his license during the pendency of the case, Tierney said.

Apostolides is due back in court on January 11; he is represented by Danielle Coysh and Brendan Ahern, who were not immediately available for comment.

"Motorists must always remain attentive to the roadways while driving. A split second of distraction can quickly turn into a deadly chain of events," said Tierney. "This defendant’s alleged decision to drive fast, while operating a cellphone, has caused the tragic death of Mr. Martinez, which could have been avoided."