Dad Depressed Over Child's Death Charged With Killing Pedestrian

WOBURN (CBS) – A Wilmington man distraught over the loss of his child was ordered held on $10,000 bail Tuesday, a day after he struck and killed a woman with his car.

43-year-old Charles McNeil pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of drugs at his arraignment in Woburn District Court.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

His attorney said McNeil had just left McLean Hospital where he had been treated for depression for several days when he hit and killed Kim Forte as she was crossing Main Street Monday morning.

McNeil was being treated for depression after his 21-month old son had died from kidney failure, according to his attorney.

McNeil had just left an outpatient meeting and was heading home when he struck Forte, who died at the scene.

Prosecutors say McNeil had taken anti-depression medication and a sedative prescribed to him by McLean Hospital shortly before the crash.

Police say he failed several field sobriety tests and seemed lethargic after the accident.

If McNeil posts bail, the judge ordered him not to drive.