4- to 12-years in prison for Moriches man who drove into a tree, killing a passenger, after day of drinking

A Suffolk County judge on Wednesday sentenced a Moriches man who admitted that he was intoxicated when he drove into a tree in East Hampton on Father’s Day 2025 — killing one passenger and seriously injuring another — to 4 to 12 years in prison.

Luis Gonzalo Barrionuevo Fuertes, 18, was driving over 70 mph in his 2009 Toyota Camry seconds before the crash that claimed the life of backseat passenger Scarleth Samaniego-Urgiles, 19, of East Hampton, Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement. The posted speed limit was 30 mph.

Barrionuevo Fuertes pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and 15 other charges on Feb. 11.

"Drunk drivers are a danger to our communities," Tierney said in the statement. "A young woman lost her life because of the selfish actions of the defendant. I hope that this prison sentence brings some small degree of solace to the victim’s family who are undoubtedly still grieving this senseless loss."

Melissa Aguanno, Barrionuevo Fuerte's attorney, called the crash a "tragedy," and said her client is extremely remorseful. She said he intends to use the time he is in prison to become a better person. 

"He has always been extremely remorseful of the situation and never tried to make excuses," Aguanno said in a phone interview. 

Barrionuevo Fuertes admitted that he drove a group of seven teenagers, ages 15 to 19, on June 15 to an East Hampton beach, where they drank alcohol, according to prosecutors. The group left the beach in Barrionuevo Fuertes' car, with six of the teens piled in the back,

Barrionuevo Fuertes was driving south on Old Stone Highway when he approached a curve in the road while speeding and drove into the opposite lane. He swerved, nearly hitting an oncoming car, and then drove off the road, crashing into a tree, the district attorney said, causing the vehicle to roll on its side.

One of the passengers suffered a spinal fracture and severe lacerations to her hand, significantly disfiguring her. The other passengers were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, Tierney said. Police officers at the scene noted that Barrionuevo Fuertes appeared intoxicated and placed him under arrest, prosecutors said.

His blood-alcohol concentration was 0.08%, the legal limit in New York State.

The Camry’s data recorder showed Barrionuevo Fuertes was driving 74 mph in a 30-mph zone right before the crash, Tierney said.