The Hauppauge man accused of driving drunk and recklessly killing an off-duty Nassau County police officer earlier this year, pleaded not guilty to
upgraded charges Friday
Matthew Smith, 20, is now facing a dozen new charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter and aggravated vehicular assault.
Prosecutors say that before driving drunk and killing Nassau Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, Matthew Smith was warned by bar patrons not to drive.
"Not only did he disregard that, but he dangled the keys in everyone's faces," said Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney.
Police Officer Patricia Espinosa / Credit: Nassau PBA
The
fatal crash happened at the intersection of Alexander Avenue and Route 347 near the Smith Haven Mall around 6 a.m.
Prosecutors said Smith was going 70 mph at the moment of impact.
Smith had been drinking in downtown Patchogue just hours before the crash when he and a friend got into Smith's car and drove to
Jake's 58 in Islandia,
according to prosecutors. Smith and the passenger were turned away from the casino because it was closed overnight, then the pair got back into Smith's car and began driving towards the passenger's home, leading up to the fatal crash.
Data from Smith's car, as well as video taken from that night, showed Smith recklessly driving, weaving in and out of traffic and hitting a top speed of 125 mph before the crash, according to court documents.
The week between Espinosa's death and Smith's initial court appearance marked a somber time on Long Island as hundreds of police officers joined family and friends in paying their respects for the fallen officer at her
wake and
funeral before officers packed the courtroom demanding justice.
Smith is facing eight and a third to 25 years in prison if convicted of the new top charge, prosecutors said.