Wantagh man sentenced in fatal drunk driving crash at Woodbury diner

Willem Specht was sentenced to seven to 15 years in prison for the death of Joseph Devito in 2023.

Kurt Semder

Sep 25, 2024, 9:58 PM

Updated 13 days ago

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Joe Devito's family spoke in court Wednesday about how their family was "shattered" by the sudden loss of their loved one.
Willem Specht backed his car into Devito in January 2023 outside the On Parade Diner in Woodbury. Prosecutors say Specht's blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit at the time.
Specht pleaded guilty to three charges, including second-degree aggravated vehicular homicide. He spoke briefly at his sentencing, apologizing to the family.
He was sentenced to seven to 15 years in prison, with the judge noting Specht had two prior convictions for DWI.
Devito's children and wife spoke as well, describing Joe as a selfless, dedicated family man.
They also said the forgive Specht, because it's what Joe would have wanted.