SerpApi.Org
A 21-year-old will spend years in prison after hitting and killing a Nassau County police officer in a drunk driving crash.
Matthew Smith, who had previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced Monday to up to 22 years in prison for the January crash that killed Patricia Espinosa as she drove to work.
Espinosa’s family attended the sentencing hearing at a Suffolk County courthouse with her 2-year-old daughter, Mia.
“She’s the one who makes us happy. So we brought her for that reason,” said Cristian Almeida, the officer’s brother.
Suffolk prosecutors said Smith’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit the night of the crash. Smith, who was underage at the time, had been drinking in various places before getting behind the wheel.
Ignoring warnings not to drive, Smith took off in his pickup truck, ran a red light at 70 miles per hour and slammed into Espinosa’s car.
“I hope that he feels bad. How could you not, as a human being for what he has put this family through,” said Tommy Shevlin, of the Nassau County PBA.
Espinosa’s husband, also a Nassau County police officer, recalled coming upon the crash scene as he drove to work, according to the script.
“For us to have closure, but unfortunately nothing is going to bring my wife back,” Francisco Malaga said.
In court, Malaga said “I couldn’t save her. I couldn’t change what happened. I watched the love of my life slip away and that image will stay with me the rest of my life.”
Smith’s lawyer stood with his client’s parents in court as Smith turned and apologized to the Espinosa family.
“I will continue to think of you for years to come. I hope some day you can forgive me. I mean this with all my heart. I am truly sorry,” Smith said.
“There’s just an outpouring of remorse for everyone,” said Smith’s attorney, Anthony La Pinta.
Espinosa’s relatives remembered her as a mentor and role model to her family, as well as for the police department she served for nine years. They said their goal now is to ensure Mia understands her mother’s legacy and that no other family goes through what they have experienced.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.
