Nassau Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Passenger In 2016 Car Crash

A Freeport man pleaded guilty on Monday to driving while on drugs and causing a crash that killed one of his passengers on the Southern State Parkway last April.

Jonathan Sobrane, 37, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, two counts of second-degree assault and operating a motor vehicle while impaired by combined use of drugs or of alcohol and any drug or drugs. He is due back in court on May 8 for sentencing. The Nassau County District Attorney is recommending 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.

“Jonathan Sobrane’s impairment by alcohol and drugs – and reckless driving at speeds up to 90 miles per hour – made the crash that killed 22-year old Vito Errico inevitable,” District Attorney Madeline Singas said. “I am hopeful that the defendant’s guilty plea to the highest charge of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide will give some small comfort to Mr. Errico’s family.”

On April 17, 2016 at approximately 3:40 a.m., Sobrane was driving eastbound on the Southern State Parkway in a white 2004 Acura with three passengers in the car, on their way back from New York City. Sobrane was travelling at speeds of at least 90 mph, weaving across three lanes of traffic and driving in exit and entrance ramps to pass other motorists. As he changed lanes, he clipped the back of a white 2006 Toyota Highlander travelling in the same direction. The collision caused Sobrane's car to spin off the road, hit trees and uproot a light pole.

A 23-year-old female passenger in the passenger seat suffered massive and deep cuts to her head that left her skull exposed, and a fractured femur. A 21-year-old male in the backseat suffered a broken arm and finger. A 22-year-old male passenger, Vito Errico, was ejected from the backseat and was found with the knocked-over light pole across his chest and died as a result of his injuries. Sobrane was not injured.

Sobrane was arrested at the scene by members of the New York State Police. Toxicology revealed drugs in his system.