MANORVILLE, NY – On Wednesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Campbell Smith Jr., 58, of Holtsville, has been indicted on multiple felony charges, including Manslaughter in the Second Degree, for his alleged role in a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a Manorville man.
Smith is accused of striking and killing Michael Barnhardt, 54, of Manorville, on the evening of August 31, 2025, while allegedly driving intoxicated on County Road 111 after spending several hours drinking at a Hampton Bays bar.
This defendant’s alleged decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated resulted in a tragic and preventable loss of life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Dangerous choices on our roadways can have irreversible consequences, and my office will continue to pursue accountability on behalf of victims and the safety of all Suffolk County residents.”
According to the investigation, at approximately 8:33 p.m., Smith was operating a red 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 southbound on County Road 111 in Manorville when he allegedly drove recklessly, using the center turning lane to bypass traffic at a high rate of speed. As Michael Barnhardt stood in the turning lane waiting for an opportunity to complete crossing the roadway, Smith allegedly struck him. Barnhardt was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision.
Witnesses reported observing the same vehicle driving aggressively earlier that evening on Sunrise Highway, including tailgating other motorists and cutting into traffic at an exit ramp leading onto Route 111.
Smith allegedly did not stop or report the crash. Instead, investigators say he brought the damaged truck to a body shop several days later for repairs. Law enforcement later located the vehicle at the shop and seized it as evidence. Damage to the hood and upper grille was found to be consistent with the crash scene.
Further investigation revealed that Smith had been at a Hampton Bays bar from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the day of the incident, where witnesses reported he consumed multiple alcoholic beverages.
Smith was arrested on September 11, 2025, and on December 17, 2025, he was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski on the following charges:
- Manslaughter in the Second Degree – Class C felony
- Assault in the Second Degree – Class D violent felony
- Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree – Class D felony
- Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting – Class D felony
- Tampering with Physical Evidence – Class E felony
- Driving While Intoxicated – Unclassified misdemeanor
- Reckless Driving – Unclassified misdemeanor
Justice Pilewski ordered Smith held on $30,000 cash bail, $60,000 bond, or $300,000 partially secured bond. Smith is scheduled to return to court on January 20, 2026. If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to 15 years in state prison.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Campbell Smith Jr., 58 |
| Residence | Holtsville, New York |
| Victim | Michael Barnhardt, 54 |
| Victim Residence | Manorville, New York |
| Incident Date | August 31, 2025 |
| Incident Time | Approximately 8:33 p.m. |
| Location | County Road 111, Manorville, NY |
| Vehicle Involved | Red 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 |
| Alleged Conduct | Reckless driving, use of turning lane to bypass traffic, alleged intoxication |
| Prior Activity | Allegedly drinking at a Hampton Bays bar from approx. 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
| Crash Outcome | Pedestrian fatally struck; victim pronounced dead at scene |
| Hit-and-Run | Defendant allegedly failed to stop or report the crash |
| Evidence Recovery | Vehicle later located at a body shop and seized; damage consistent with crash |
| Arrest Date | September 11, 2025 |
| Arraignment Date | December 17, 2025 |
| Court | Suffolk County Supreme Court |
| Presiding Judge | Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski |
| Top Charge | Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class C felony) |
| Additional Charges | Assault 2nd Degree, Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd Degree, Leaving Scene of Incident, Tampering with Physical Evidence, DWI, Reckless Driving |
| Bail Conditions | $30,000 cash / $60,000 bond / $300,000 partially secured bond |
| Next Court Date | January 20, 2026 |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 15 years in state prison if convicted |
