Drunken, Reckless Driving Crash Killed Husband, Wife: Prosecutors

MINEOLA, NY — A Syosset man was arraigned Tuesday on aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges for an August high-speed crash in Laurel Hollow that killed a husband and wife, prosecutors announced.

Sotirios Spanos, 33, also faces:

• First-degree vehicular manslaughter
• Two counts of second-degree vehicular manslaughter
• Two counts of second-degree manslaughter
• Two counts of second-degree assault
• Two counts of driving while intoxicated
• Reckless driving

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded. The case is due back in court on October 17.

"Ismenia and Odalis Urena had two young daughters. Ismenia was a recently published author and worked as a certified life coach. Her husband, Odalis, owned a successful construction company. The couple was in the prime of their lives, and in an instant, this defendant allegedly took it all away while speeding down Northern Boulevard at 100 miles an hour, " Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly said. "Now, the Urena’s children are without their mother and father and a community is in mourning. Drunk and reckless driving have cost too many innocent lives on Long Island."

Donnelly said he was allegedly twice the legal limit for alcohol more than three hours after the collision.

If convicted, Spanos faces up to 25 years in prison.