Man convicted of killing Nassau County police officer in DWI crash will spend at least 7 1/3 years in prison
The man convicted of driving drunk and killing a Long Island police officer in January will spend at least seven years behind bars.
Matthew Smith, 21, pleaded guilty in June to a host of charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated, in connection with the death of Patricia Espinosa.
He was sentenced Monday to 7 1/3 to 22 years in prison.
"Our family has received a life sentence"
Espinosa was a 42-year-old Nassau County police officer, wife and mother.
Smith crashed into her car after he sped through a red light at Alexander Avenue and Route 347 in Saint James in January. Espinosa was taken to the hospital after the crash, where she was pronounced dead.
Espinosa's husband, Fransisco, who is also a police officer, responded to the crash before realizing his wife was a victim.
"I have responded to countless tragedies throughout my career, but never imagined I'd be standing beside my own wife's overturned car, completely helpless. I couldn't save her. I couldn't change what had happened. I watched the love of my life slip away," he said in court.
"Our family has received a life sentence," he added. "No sentence this court imposes can bring Patricia back, but accountability matters."
Smith apologized in court to Espinosa's family. His parents were also present.
"We tried to do right in the shadow of very wrong that awful morning and what we've done here is just a genuine act of acceptance of responsibility, regret, remorse," defense attorney Anthony LaPinta said.
"Driving crazy"
Prosecutors said before Smith got in the car, he was drinking at a bar in Patchogue and was at Jake's 58 Casino Hotel. His passenger allegedly told police that Smith was "driving crazy," going up to 125 mph in his pickup truck.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said Smith's blood-alcohol concentration was .20, more than twice the legal limit. He was 20 at the time of the crash. Investigators also said they found a bottle of rum and a shot glass in Smith's truck.
Smith and his passenger were also hurt during the crash.
"Patricia was a force"
Espinosa was on her way to work when she was hit. She is survived by her young daughter, husband and siblings.
A 2-year-old was seen walking hand in hand with her father on Monday. Relatives said the little girl has been the light of the family in the dark days since Espinosa was killed.
"She's there supporting us, to lift us, and literally that's our main core to keep going with every single day," brother Cristian Almeida said. "There is no words I can describe the amount of pain."
Espinosa is being remembered as an exceptional officer and human being.
"Patricia was a force. She was a very strong female officer who had a humongous heart," said Victoria Ojeda of the Nassau County Police Hispanic Association.
