MINEOLA, N.Y. — A Far Rockaway man has been indicted for manslaughter and multiple intoxicated driving charges in connection with a September 2023 crash that killed a 23-year-old passenger in Rockville Centre, Nassau County prosecutors announced.
Samuel Gutierrez Orozco, 25, was arraigned Tuesday before Judge Joy Watson on charges including second-degree manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, assault, and several counts of driving while intoxicated. He was remanded and is scheduled to return to court on April 21. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
“The death of Larry Josue Orozco Torrez was completely preventable,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said. “Due to the alleged poor decisions by this defendant, a family is now without a loved one.”
According to the indictment, Gutierrez Orozco was driving southbound on Peninsula Boulevard around 10:34 p.m. on September 17, 2023, when he lost control of his vehicle while allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed. The car crossed the grassy median into oncoming lanes and struck a tree.
A Nassau County Police medic happened to be driving nearby and was alerted by another motorist to the crash. The medic found the passenger, Larry Josue Orozco Torrez, unresponsive at the scene. He was pronounced dead at approximately 10:52 p.m.
Blood tests reveal alcohol and drug use
Police officers arrived and extracted Gutierrez Orozco from the wreckage. He was taken to NYU Langone Long Island Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. A search warrant was obtained for his blood, which reportedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12% approximately one hour after the crash. The toxicology report also indicated the presence of marijuana and cocaine.
Gutierrez Orozco was arrested on April 15, 2025, by Nassau County Police. He is being represented by Robert Schalk, Esq.
Key Points
- Samuel Gutierrez Orozco indicted in fatal DWI crash that killed passenger Larry Josue Orozco Torrez
- Crash occurred September 17, 2023, on Peninsula Boulevard in Rockville Centre
- Defendant’s blood showed alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine; arraigned on multiple charges
The case is being prosecuted by ADA Alexandra Russell of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.