Justice Served: Drunk Drivers Sentenced in Separate Deadly Crashes in Nassau County

In a poignant day of justice and sorrow, two separate cases of drunk driving that resulted in five tragic deaths saw the perpetrators sentenced in Nassau County. The courtrooms were filled with emotional outpourings from grieving families, marking the end of a painful chapter but also a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.

Case One: High-Speed Tragedy in Laurel Hollow

Sotirios Spanos, 33, was sentenced to seven to 21 years in prison for his reckless actions last August that claimed the lives of Ismenia and Odalis Urena, a young married couple. Spanos, intoxicated and speeding at nearly 100 mph, lost control on Northern Boulevard, crossing the yellow line and colliding with the couple’s Ferrari convertible.

The impact of the crash was catastrophic, with Spanos’ vehicle traveling at about 85 mph at the time of collision. The Urenas, both 37, left behind two young children now being cared for by their aunts and uncles. In a heartbreaking statement, Ismenia’s sister Crismairy Rodriguez expressed the family’s unity in raising the children, who will grow up without their loving parents.

Spanos’ defense attorney argued for leniency, citing his client’s remorse and prior good conduct, but the court upheld the sentence, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the irreplaceable loss suffered by the Urena family.

Case Two: Sweet 16 Celebration Turns to Tragedy

In an unrelated incident, Dante Lennon was sentenced to six to 18 years in prison for a deadly crash that took place in May 2022. Lennon, also driving under the influence, crashed his Mercedes Benz into a Lincoln town car carrying three family members leaving a Sweet 16 party in New Hyde Park. The collision resulted in the deaths of 68-year-old Ho Hua, 41-year-old Tu Nguyen, and 66-year-old Marlene Lu, while their spouses suffered injuries.

Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly highlighted the tragic irony of Marlene Lu’s untimely death as she was looking forward to enjoying her retirement after years of hard work to support her family. In court, Lennon broke down and apologized to the victims’ families, acknowledging the irreversible damage caused by his actions.

Advocacy and Support for Victims of Drunk Driving

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, we stand with the victims of these senseless tragedies and their families. The sentences handed down today serve as a reminder of the dire consequences of drunk driving and underscore the importance of justice for the bereaved.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, our experienced team of personal injury attorneys is here to provide compassionate support and aggressive representation. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation needed to rebuild lives shattered by these preventable incidents.

Contact us today at 212-943-1090 to discuss your case and explore your legal options.