Judge delays sentencing of man behind the wheel of 2023 Hartsdale fatal hit-and-run

Sanchez originally pleaded guilty in exchange for 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

Jonathan Gordon

Sep 12, 2024, 9:45 PM

Updated 30 days ago

Share:

Antonio Robles-Sanchez entered Westchester County Court Judge George Fufidio's courtroom for sentencing Thursday in connection to a 2023 fatal hit-and-run in Hartsdale - but he left facing more prison time than before.
Last month, Sanchez took a plea deal in exchange for 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.
He admitted to smoking crack and getting behind the wheel of his truck on Aug. 26, 2023, before striking and killing Hartsdale resident Stephanie Kavourias, 65, on the sidewalk.
The incident happened at the intersection of Rockledge Road and East Hartsdale Avenue.
Kavourias was a well-known community member and manager of the Hartsdale Parking Authority for 20 years.
Everything was moving forward routinely on Thursday until, according to the judge, Sanchez showed a lack of remorse and responsibility in his pre-sentence report with a probation officer.
"What really troubles me is that he claims that he thought that all he ever hit was a bench and that he didn't hit anyone," Fufidio said.
Sanchez's attorney Robert Osuna defended his client and tried to fight back against the judge's decision.
"I do take issue with your honor's interpretation of his expression of innocence in this report," Osuna said.
Despite the argument, Fufidio gave Sanchez two options; take back his guilty plea and go to trial or plead guilty to a newly enhanced sentence.
The judge offered him two to six years in state prison.
Osuna said his client has accepted his responsibility in the fatal crash and will do so again next week during sentencing.
Kavourias' death sparked outrage in the East Hartsdale community and led to several pedestrian safety improvements at that intersection including new red-light cameras.
Kavourias' family and friends, some of whom were prepared to read victim impact statements at sentencing on Thursday, left the court distraught without speaking with reporters.
Sanchez is due back in court on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 2:30 p.m.