Driver Charged In Fatal Easton Crash Held Without Bail
EASTON (CBS) -- A woman charged with crashing into and killing an East Bridgewater couple will be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing next week. Sheri Vazquez, 33, of Easton, was arraigned on multiple charges in Taunton District Court Friday.
John and Virginia Masefield, 79 and 77 years old respectively, died as a result of the crash. Their family said they were going out for ice cream together.
"The Easton police officer saw a motor vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. He clocked that car going 89 mph on his radar. He turned around and followed that car," prosecutor Cynthia Lethourneau told the court.
The crash occurred right after that on Route 138 in Easton. According to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, Vazquez was speeding down when she collided with a Hyundai Elantra, carrying the Masefields, that was turning onto Purchase Street.
"After the collision, Sheri Vazquez, who was the sole occupant of the Dodge Journey, exited her vehicle and ran from the scene. She was arrested a short time later just over the town line in West Bridgewater," said a statement from the D.A.
Vazquez was charged with two counts of motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, leaving the scene of a crash with death resulting, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. More charges could be filed.
"It's hard to even comprehend, you know. What was she thinking," said Shane Rattigan, the victims' son-in-law. "I really don't know what to say, it's just amazing that one person speeding can take away two lives that fast."
"They were good people, never harmed anybody, just a sweet old couple."
Virginia was a retired nurse. John was a chef at the Chateau in Norton.
"He was just a standup guy, came to work every day and did an outstanding job," said coworker David Jasset. He remembered the couple fondly. "They did everything together, they cooked, cleaned, shopped and everything in life they did together."
A dangerousness hearing was scheduled for May 22 at 11 a.m.