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On Monday, June 17, 33-year-old Sotirios Spanos was sentenced to seven to 21 years behind bars for the wrong-way crash that killed Ismenia and Odalis Urena, the Nassau County District Attorney announced.
The sentence comes nearly 10 months after the August 12, 2023 crash.
Earlier Report: Syosset Man Pleads Guilty For 100 MPH Drunken, Wrong-Way Crash Killing Husband, Wife
Spanos was driving drunk just after 12:30 a.m. that morning, speeding eastbound on Northern Boulevard in Laurel Hollow.
At the same time, Ismenia and Odalis Urena were driving their convertible westbound on Northern Boulevard near Moores Hill Road.
Spanos then crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting the front passenger side of the Urena’s car and driving over it.
The DA’s Office said that two seconds before the crash, Spanos was traveling at 100 miles per hour. On impact, he was going nearly 85 miles per hour. More than three hours after the crash, Spanos was twice the legal limit for alcohol.
Ismenia was pronounced dead at the scene. Odalis was taken to Huntington Hospital and was pronounced dead about an hour after the crash.
“Ismenia and Odalis Urena were a hard-working, successful couple, who had just enjoyed a well-deserved date night and were heading home to their two daughters,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly.
“They tragically crossed this reckless defendant’s path as he drunkenly hurtled along Northern Boulevard at 100 miles per hour, veered into oncoming traffic, and struck the Urenas’ vehicle head-on…Our hearts are with the Urenas’ young daughters, family, and many friends as they continue to grieve this senseless tragedy.”
In April 2024, Spanos, who is from Syosset, pleaded guilty to the following:
- Aggravated vehicular homicide;
- Manslaughter, two counts;
- Assault, two counts; and
- Driving while intoxicated.
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