Kurt Semder

•

Sep 25, 2024, 5:58 PM

•

Updated

More Stories

00:38

Carjacking chaos unfolds in Mill Basin: 72-year-old woman in walker struck, another knocked to the ground

01:49

2 men injured in Ocean Hill shooting; gunman on the run

01:16

NYPD officer on horse chases down purse snatcher in Manhattan

02:03

Parents speak out about child abuse allegations at Northport day care

00:32

Teen robbed of scooter, slapped in the face in Highbridge; 4 men on the run

00:22

East Northport man indicted for murder of grandmother's fiancé, new details released

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.