A Newfane man charged in a fatal one-car crash on Lockport Junction Road last summer has pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter.
Thomas H. Summers, Jr., 53, of Newfane, pled guilty Thursday to second-degree vehicular manslaughter in Niagara County Court.
Summers admitted to driving his truck while impaired by the combined influence of cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, which caused a July 16, 2025, crash that took the life of his passenger, Rodolfo Espinoza, 48, on Lockport Junction Road in the Town of Lockport.
Shortly after 7 p.m., Niagara County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the crash in the area of 5151 Lockport Junction Road, where a 2011 Chevy Silverado that had been heading south veered off the side of the road, struck a utility pole, and rolled over. Espinoza was trapped in the vehicle and died at the scene despite efforts from first responders.
Summers was determined to be under the influence by a drug recognition expert and charged with a felony count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while impaired by drugs. After receiving treatment from Lockport Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash, he was remanded to the Niagara County Correctional Facility following the crash.
On Wednesday, Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman said, “This plea should be a reminder to everyone of the consequences of driving while impaired by any substance. The possible prison term allowed by law for this crime will never be sufficient for the damage caused by the defendant. We will be asking for the maximum term.”
Summers faces 2 to 7 years in state prison when he returns to be sentenced by Acting Supreme Court Justice Mario Giacobbe on Sept. 11. The case was investigated by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Vehicular Crimes Bureau Chief Christine Savoia.