A former NYPD officer has been sentenced to 4 to 12 years in state prison for a drunk driving crash that killed a man in Haverstraw, New York.
The sentencing took place in Rockland County Court on Wednesday, bringing a tragic case to a close that shook the local community.
According to Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh, the officer, identified as Nelson Tamayo, was traveling at a speed of over 100 miles per hour on Route 9W when the deadly crash occurred. T
amayo, 28, was intoxicated at the time and lost control of his vehicle, slamming into another car at a traffic light.
The crash, which happened on May 26, 2023, killed 32-year-old Maurice Murray, a father and husband. His wife, who was in the car with him at the time, survived but was left with emotional and physical scars.
The couple was simply waiting at the light when their car was struck with enormous force by Tamayo’s speeding vehicle.
Authorities say Tamayo had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.13—well above the legal limit. The impact of the crash was so violent that both cars were completely wrecked.
Surveillance footage and black box data later confirmed that Tamayo’s vehicle had reached speeds over 100 mph just seconds before the crash.
Tamayo, who had served as an NYPD officer for nearly six years, was off duty at the time of the incident. He was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, and driving while intoxicated. He later pleaded guilty in court.
During the sentencing, the courtroom was filled with friends and family of the victim. Many were in tears as the details of the case were read aloud.
Murray’s wife gave a heartbreaking statement, saying her husband’s life was stolen in a moment of recklessness. She spoke about the pain of raising their child alone and the emotional trauma she now lives with every day.
District Attorney Walsh called the case “a reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and speeding.” He added that no one is above the law, regardless of their title or background. “This tragedy could have been avoided,” he said. “Driving under the influence is never acceptable. This case should serve as a warning to everyone.”
Tamayo also spoke briefly before the sentencing. He apologized to the victim’s family and said he takes full responsibility for what happened.
His attorney had asked for leniency, pointing to Tamayo’s previously clean record and years of public service. But the judge said the severity of the crime and the irreversible consequences could not be ignored.
Following the sentencing, community members gathered outside the courthouse, some holding photos of Murray and wearing shirts in his memory. Friends described him as a kind, hardworking man who loved his family and had a bright future ahead of him.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee continue to emphasize the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.
According to the NYS DMV, alcohol-related crashes remain a leading cause of traffic deaths in the state. In response to such tragedies, the DMV encourages drivers to use designated drivers, rideshare services, or public transportation when under the influence.
Families impacted by drunk driving incidents can seek support from organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which works nationally to raise awareness and provide resources for victims.
The case has sparked new conversations in Rockland County about accountability, especially when public servants break the law. Local officials have also renewed efforts to promote safe driving campaigns and stricter DWI enforcement.
Tamayo’s sentencing marks the end of a tragic chapter, but the pain for the Murray family continues. As the community reflects on the consequences of that night, many hope this case serves as a wake-up call about the life-altering damage that can be caused by a single poor decision behind the wheel.