Luis Gonzalo Barrionuevo Fuertes, 18, was also charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree—amongst several other charges—for his purported role in the death of his backseat passenger, Scarleth Samaniego-Urgiles, of East Hampton, last month.
The defendant allegedly was driving while intoxicated when his 2009 Toyota Camry crashed into a tree on Old Stone Highway in East Hampton last month. The departed, an Army hopeful, was killed on impact.
She was 19 years old.
Another backseat passenger was seriously injured in the single-car crash Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney says caused one untimely death and "jeopardized the lives of other passengers in the vehicle as their summer was about to kick off.”
“Instead, Father’s Day was turned into an unspeakable tragedy for them and their families,” DA Tierney added.
Per the investigation: on Sunday, June 15th, Barrionuevo Fuertes drove a group of seven—ranging from ages 15-19—to a local beach in town. All of them, including the driver, allegedly consumed alcohol during this visit.
The defendant approached a curve in the road at a high speed at approximately 7:39 p.m.; he drove into the opposite lane and nearly struck an oncoming vehicle.
To avoid such an outcome, he drove off the roadway and subsequently crashed directly into the tree. The vehicle rolled on its passenger side as a result.
Samaniego-Urgiles was pronounced dead at the scene. The remainder of the passengers—including one who suffered a spinal fracture and severe lacerations to a now-disfigured hand—were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.
Observing that Barrionuevo exhibited signs of intoxication, responding police officers placed him under arrest. He was formally arraigned on Wednesday, July 9th.
He is due back in court on August 19th, and faces 8-25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
Over $68,000 has been raised in Samaniego-Urgiles’ honor, with all proceeds used to cover funeral expenses and provide additional support to her family.