In Nassau County, Syosset resident, Sotirios Spanos, was sentenced to 7 to 21 years in prison for a DUI crash in Laurel Hollow last year that resulted in the tragic deaths of couple Ismenia and Odalis Urena. The sentencing occurred in a Mineola courtroom, where relatives of the deceased emotionally recounted the profound loss caused by the incident.
The impact of the crash was evident as the Urena family addressed the defendant. Spanos, 33, admitted responsibility for the fatal accident that occurred on August 12, when he collided head-on with the couple’s vehicle while driving his Acura MDX under the influence.
The couple’s 14-year-old daughter delivered a heart-wrenching victim impact statement during the proceedings, highlighting the immense pain Spanos’ actions have inflicted upon her and their family.
Spanos faced multiple charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide and manslaughter, to which he pleaded guilty on April 23. During the hearing, his attorney presented Spanos’ history of substance abuse and depression, while emphasizing Spanos’ lack of prior convictions.
Supreme Court Justice Howard Sturim outlined the irreversible harm caused by Spanos’ decision to drive drunk, emphasizing the voluntary nature of his actions over the attribution to addiction.
Source: Newsday
