Jonathan Sobrane was speeding when he clipped an SUV and crashed into trees, killing his passenger and injuring two
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Freeport man pleaded guilty yesterday to charges related to a fatal crash on the Southern State Parkway in April 2016.
Jonathan Sobrane, 37, pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Helene Gugerty to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a B felony), two counts of Assault in the 2nd Degree (a D violent felony) and Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired by Combined Use of Drugs or of Alcohol and any Drug or Drugs as a Felony (an E felony). The defendant is due back in court on May 8 for sentencing. The NCDA is recommending 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.
“Jonathan Sobrane’s impairment by alcohol and drugs – and reckless driving at speeds up to 90 miles per hour – made the crash that killed 22-year old Vito Errico inevitable,” DA Singas said. “I am hopeful that the defendant’s guilty plea to the highest charge of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide will give some small comfort to Mr. Errico’s family.”
DA Singas said that on April 17, 2016 at approximately 3:40 a.m., the defendant was driving eastbound on the Southern State Parkway in a white 2004 Acura with three passengers in the car. The group was returning from New York City. Toxicology tests revealed the defendant’s impairment by drugs. The defendant was travelling at speeds of at least 90 mph, weaving across three lanes of traffic and driving in exit and entrance ramps to pass other motorists. As the defendant changed lanes he clipped the back of a white 2006 Toyota Highlander travelling in the same direction. The collision caused the defendant’s car to spin off the road, hit trees and uproot a light pole.
A 23-year old female passenger in the passenger seat suffered massive lacerations to her head that left her skull exposed and a fractured femur. A 21-year old male in the backseat sustained a broken arm and finger. A 22-year old male passenger, Vito Errico, was ejected from the backseat and was found with the light pole across his chest and died as a result of his injuries. The defendant was not injured.
Sobrane was arrested at the scene by members of the New York State Police.
Assistant District Attorney Stefanie Palma of DA Singas’ Vehicular Crimes Bureau is prosecuting the case. Sobrane is represented by David Haber, Esq.