(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Campbell Smith Jr., 58, of Holtsville, was indicted for Manslaughter in the Second Degree for allegedly striking and killing 54-year-old Michael Barnhardt, of Manorville, on County Road 111 after drinking at a bar in Hampton Bays.
“This defendant’s decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while he was allegedly intoxicated led to the untimely death of Michael Barnhardt,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Those dangerous decisions have deadly consequences, and we will do everything possible to seek justice for the victim and all Suffolk County residents, because they deserve to feel safe on our roads.”
According to the investigation, on August 31, 2025, at approximately 8:33 p.m., Smith was allegedly driving his red 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 recklessly on County Road 111 in Manorville when he struck Michael Barnhardt, who was attempting to cross the street. Smith was allegedly driving fast and using the center turning lane as a lane of travel to cut around traffic when he hit Barnhardt, who was standing in the turning lane, waiting for an opportunity to continue crossing the street. The victim died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained from the crash.
Prior to the crash, witnesses indicated that the truck was driving aggressively on Sunrise Highway, tailgating, as well as cutting the line of traffic on the exit ramp waiting to turn onto Route 111.
The defendant allegedly never reported the crash, but instead, he brought the truck to a body shop a few days later to repair the damage. The investigation led police to that body shop where they ultimately seized the truck for evidence. Further investigation revealed that the truck had damage to the hood and upper grill consistent with the crime scene.
Detectives also discovered that Smith was allegedly at a bar in Hampton Bays on the day of the crash from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., where he was seen drinking multiple alcoholic beverages.
On September 11, 2025, Smith was placed under arrest.
On December 17, 2025, Smith was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski for the following charges:
· One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
· One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
· One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
· One count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony;
· One count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony;
· One count of Driving While Intoxicated, an Unclassified misdemeanor; and
· One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor.
Justice Pilewski ordered Smith held on $30,000 cash, $60,000 bond, or $300,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in court on January 20, 2026, and faces up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Brian Griffin, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney David Geller of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Dario Perito of the Suffolk County Police Department Major Case Unit.