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Luis Gonzalo Barrionuevo-Fuertes was arraigned in Riverhead on a 19-count indictment for allegedly causing the June 15 crash that killed 19-year-old Scarleth Urgiles.
“These are all a bunch of kids who went out had a good time with each other and made some poor decisions," said his defense attorney Melissa Aguanno, outside the courtroom.
According to prosecutors, the group of teens had been drinking Corona and Modelo beers at an East Hampton beach before Barrionuevo-Fuertes allegedly drove off with seven passengers packed into his Toyota Camry.
Data from the vehicle’s black box reportedly showed he was driving 74.6 mph in a 30 mph zone on Old Stone Highway. Passengers were said to be pleading with him to slow down before he lost control and crashed into a tree. Urgiles, seated in the back, died from her injuries.
Prosecutors also stated Barrionuevo-Fuertes had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 at the time of the crash.
Inside the courtroom, many members of the defendant’s family were seen crying during the proceedings.
“They are extremely upset,” said Aguanno, who also called the incident “a tragedy, for Scarleth’s family and all the kids involved.”
When asked about her client’s emotional state, Aguanno responded, “He is devastated.”
Barrionuevo-Fuertes pleaded not guilty. He is currently being held on $500,000 cash bail or $1 million bond.
