Patchogue, NY – A 21-year-old driver who ignored pleas from bar patrons not to drive after a night of heavy drinking has pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges in connection with a horrific crash that killed off-duty Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa.

Matthew Smith entered the guilty plea Thursday in Suffolk County court for the January 31 crash that claimed the life of the 42-year-old mother and veteran officer, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

“Patricia Espinosa, a wife and mother who dedicated her life to protecting others, was killed on her way to work, leaving her daughter without a mother, her husband without a wife, and a family without their beloved daughter and sister,” Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney said in a statement.

On the night of the tragedy, Smith had been drinking at the James Joyce bar in Patchogue. Witnesses reported that he arrogantly dangled his car keys in front of patrons who begged him not to get behind the wheel. Despite the warnings, Smith left the bar heavily intoxicated.

He later met a passenger, John Andali, at a nearby late-night taco spot. The pair decided to drive Smith’s Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck toward Jake’s 58 casino, but changed plans after learning it was closed.

According to prosecutors, Smith, whose blood alcohol content was measured at 0.20% — more than twice the legal limit — sped through a red light at approximately 70 mph in a 30 mph zone. His truck slammed into Espinosa’s vehicle as she was heading to work. The impact caused her car to flip over, leaving her trapped upside down inside the wreckage for more than 30 minutes while first responders worked to free her.

Espinosa was transported to Stony Brook Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Andali suffered serious injuries, including pelvic and spinal fractures and a severe head laceration. A bottle of Bacardi rum and a shot glass were later found inside Smith’s truck.

Smith previously faced more than a dozen charges. As part of his guilty plea to aggravated vehicular homicide, he faces up to 22 years in prison, followed by three years of post-release supervision. He will also forfeit his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Sentencing is scheduled for June 20.

DA Tierney added, “With today’s guilty plea, the defendant has admitted responsibility for causing her death, as well as for the injuries that he caused to his passenger. While nothing will restore what the victims and their families and colleagues have lost, we hope that this plea provides them with some measure of justice.”

Officer Espinosa’s death deeply affected the Long Island law enforcement and culinary communities, where she was remembered as a dedicated public servant and beloved family member. Memorials and fundraisers were held in her honor following the crash.