Young girls speak out at sentencing of man who killed their parents in Long Island crash

MINEOLA, NY – A Syosset man was convicted Monday in a Last summer, a drunk driving accident killed a married couple on Long Island..

Ismenia and Odalis Urena were killed last August after Sotirios Spanos crossed their lane and crashed head-on.

Spanos admits to using poor judgment and pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, assault and DWI.

Ismenia Urena was a recently published author. Odalis Urena was a builder who donated homes around the world. While returning from dinner through Lauren Hollow, Spanos crashed into them.

“One hundred miles an hour along Northern Boulevard, fueled by anger and alcohol on a winding, curved road,” said Nassau County Prosecutor Anne Donnelly.

Spanos' blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. Prosecutors said he left after an argument during a date. His lawyer said he had struggled with alcoholism and addiction and now felt intense remorse.

The tragedy shattered two families.

“You made my life miserable.”

The judge called Monday's proceedings a “courtroom full of victims” as heartbreaking statements from victims came one after the other.

“Two children no longer have their mother and father because this defendant was drunk and reckless,” Donnelly said.

The couple's two young daughters, aged 15 and 9, approached the court in tears to demand justice, asking the judge for the maximum sentence.

“You made my life miserable,” the 15-year-old said. “You should be ashamed of your actions.”

“The loss of my parents changed my life,” said the 9-year-old girl.

Sotirios Spanos apologizes in court

Spanos read a lengthy apology in court.

“I accept full responsibility. I never intended to make such an example of stupidity and irresponsibility. There is no punishment too heavy,” he said.

“In 32 years of criminal defense, I don't think I've found anyone who is so remorseful and accepts responsibility,” said defense attorney Steven Epstein.

This does not change the insurmountable loss.

Crismairy Rodriguez, Ismenia's sister, showed Spanos the only salvageable thing from the accident.

“The lock of hair shared in the courtroom is the only thing we have left,” she said.

Judge Howard Sturim called the harm caused by Spanos “unimaginable.” He sentenced him to 7-21 years.

Spanos requested copies of all victim impact statements to reflect on while he is imprisoned.