'No Sentence Can Restore What Was Taken': 7 1/3 To 22 Years In DWI Crash That Killed LI Police Officer: DA

RIVERSIDE, NY — A Hauppauge man was sentenced to seven and one-third to 22 years in prison in connection with the drunken driving crash that killed an off-duty Nassau County police officer on her way to work, Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney said Monday.

Matthew Smith, 21, of Hauppauge, pleaded guilty in June to aggravated vehicular homicide and other related charges, for driving while intoxicated, running a red light, and crashing into a vehicle being driven by Patricia Espinosa, as well as seriously injuring Smith’s passenger.

He must forfeit his vehicle as part of the plea, Tierney's office said.

His defense attorney, Anthony La Pinta of Hauppauge, told Patch that Smith "accepts full responsibility for his bad decision to drive drunk that has caused catastrophic consequences."

"Matthew's remorse is genuine and his tears are real," he added.

La Pinta went on to say that he believes the man who in the truck with him "is a moral accomplice" to the night's events.

"He encouraged Matthew's reckless driving, laughed about it, recorded it on his cell phone, and posted the recordings on social media," he said. "It is difficult to have any sense of compassion for his injuries."

Tierney said, "No sentence can restore what was taken from Officer Espinosa’s loved ones, but today this defendant begins paying the price for his conduct."

“He was intoxicated, speeding, and lawless behind the wheel of a 5,000-pound pickup truck, and a police officer on her way to serve her community paid with her life," he said. "This office will continue to pursue accountability for impaired drivers who destroy lives on our roads.”

On Jan. 31, at around 6 a.m., Smith, who had been in Patchogue drinking alcohol, and his passenger left Jake's 58 Casino Hotel in Smith’s Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, and while driving, he went through a red light at around 70 mph and struck Espinosa’s vehicle, while she was driving to work.

The posted speed limit on that road is 30 mph.

Espinosa was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Smith’s passenger was also taken there, where he was treated
for serious injuries, including pelvic and spinal fractures, and a severe head laceration.

A chemical test of Smith’s blood revealed that his blood alcohol concentration was .20, more than twice the legal limit. A bottle of Bacardi rum and a shot glass were also found inside
his vehicle.