Wantagh man pleads guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide

A Wantagh man has pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges in connection with a fatal collision at the On Parade Diner in Woodbury in January last year, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

The incident resulted in the death of 61-year-old Joseph Devito, who was standing outside the diner when he was struck.

Willem Specht, 63, entered the guilty plea before Judge Meryl Berkowitz, admitting to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Assault, and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated. He is expected to receive a sentence ranging from seven to 15 years in prison on Sept. 25.

District Attorney Anne Donnelly highlighted Specht's history as a repeat drunk driver, noting that he had a blood alcohol content of 0.18%—more than twice the legal limit—three hours after the crash.

“Joseph was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend to many. His family has endured immeasurable heartbreak because of this defendant’s reckless and entirely preventable actions,” Donnelly said.

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, 2023. Devito was conversing with a high school friend outside the diner when Specht, intoxicated, reversed his car rapidly from a parking spot, hitting Devito and narrowly missing his friend. Devito suffered severe head injuries and died shortly afterward at Syosset Hospital.

Following the initial collision, Specht continued driving in reverse, damaging a ramp, a metal fence, and the exterior wall of the diner before stopping. He then attempted to leave the scene but was detained by a witness until police arrived.

The case is being handled by Vehicular Crimes Bureau Chief Michael Bushwack and Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Russell. Specht is represented by attorney Steve LaMagna.