Mastic man faces upgraded charges in fatal hit-and-run

A Mastic man accused of driving drunk and hitting a pedestrian who later died of his injuries is facing upgraded charges.

Robert Slawinski, 48, walked out of Central Islip court without saying a word Wednesday. He pleaded not guilty to upgraded charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident, in addition to DWI.

The charges stem from a September 2017 crash along Old Town Road in Coram. Anthony Loiodici was struck while walking on the street.

MORE: Mastic man accused in Coram drunken hit-and-run

Prosecutors say Slawinski had been drinking and never stopped his car after hitting Loiodici.

The crash left Loiodici in a coma. He died in a hospital 13 months later.

In court, Slawinski's attorney said his client didn't know he had hit anyone and felt remorse about the death.

The judge did not raise Slawinski's $100,000 bond, to the disappointment of the victim's family members, who packed the courtroom.

"Me and my family, we struggle through every day," says Michael Loiodici, the victim's brother. "This wasn't supposed to happen."

Family members say they plan on attending every court date until they hopefully get justice for their loved one.

If convicted, Slawinski could get five to 15 years in prison.