New charges were brought in Suffolk County Court against Matthew Smith, the man alleged to be responsible for causing the death of Officer Patricia Espinoza in a vehicle crash on Long Island.
According to the investigation, Smith was driving while intoxicated and ran a red light. The prosecution shared further details in court regarding his alleged reckless conduct on January 31—the day of the tragedy.
“Other patrons at the bar told him, ‘You shouldn’t be driving.’ Not only did he ignore them, but he actually dangled his car keys in front of their faces, as if to say, ‘I’m going to drive,’” said Raymond A. Tierney, the Suffolk County District Attorney.
This action was captured on video while he was consuming alcoholic beverages at the James Joyce establishment in Patchogue, Long Island, according to the prosecution.
Matthew Smith, 20, now faces 19 charges—including aggravated vehicular homicide, the most serious charge, which carries a potential prison sentence of 8 to 25 years. He also faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, and other violations.
“Let’s be clear about one thing: this was not an accident; this was a total disregard for human life,” said Tommy Shevlin, President of the PBA. “For our families, our children, and everyone else on the road, any one of them could have been injured or killed.”
Notably, a video recorded by a passenger in the defendant’s vehicle shortly before the tragedy—according to the prosecution—demonstrates the suspect’s indifference toward the law and the safety of others.
The prosecution alleges that Smith was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck at speeds reaching 125 to 128 miles per hour (mph) throughout the night, and that he was traveling at 70 mph when he ran a red light and struck Officer Espinosa’s Alfa Romeo. According to reports, Smith’s blood alcohol level was 0.20%—more than double the legal limit—approximately 40 minutes after the accident.
“We are going to vigorously prosecute this case with the full weight of the law,” Tierney said.
Smith’s attorney declined to comment on Friday as he was accompanied by the defendant’s parents.
The victim’s husband also appeared in court, accompanied by other family members.
Officer Espinosa, 42, was a nine-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department. At the time of the deadly accident, she was on her way to work. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a 2-year-old daughter.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 20, although the defendant—who remains in jail without bail—is not required to be present.
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