Teen pleads guilty in Centereach crash that killed 73-year-old woman
Matthew Papile, now 18, entered guilty pleas Wednesday to eight counts, stemming from the crash that killed 73-year-old Marion Napolitano and seriously injured her son, James Miller.
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A teen accused of causing a fatal crash while driving high in a stolen SUV in Centereach pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide.
Matthew Papile, now 18, entered guilty pleas Wednesday to eight counts, stemming from the crash that killed 73-year-old Marion Napolitano and seriously injured her son, James Miller.
Under the plea agreement, Papile faces up to 18 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for next month.
Prosecutors said the crash occurred in May 2024, when Papile was 16. They allege he stole an SUV and drove at a high rate of speed on Middle Country Road while under the influence of marijuana, weaving in and out of traffic.
Authorities said Papile crashed into the rear of another vehicle and then fled the scene.
Napolitano was killed in the crash, while Miller suffered serious injuries, according to police.
In addition to aggravated vehicular homicide, Papile pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated vehicular assault.
“My client never woke up with the intention of hurting anybody on the date of this incident,” defense attorney Sean Dixon said in court. “He today is extremely remorseful. He has stepped up to the plate. He pleaded guilty. He has accepted responsibility for his actions and he is committed to paying his debt to society.”
No relatives of the victims were present in court, but several members of Papile’s family attended the hearing and were visibly emotional.
Papile remains jailed without bail pending sentencing.
