Driver in deadly North Reading crash has "history of lost time and blackouts," lawyer says

The driver who was allegedly speeding when he struck and killed a father and daughter stopped at a red light in North Reading, Massachusetts, Saturday night has previously been treated for mental health issues, his lawyer said.

A not guilty plea was entered in Woburn District Court Monday on behalf of 21-year-old Matthew Sweeney of Paxton. The arraignment was put on hold while Sweeney underwent a psychiatric evaluation.

The fiery crash on Route 28 near a shopping plaza killed 35-year-old Samir Naili and his 8-year-old daughter Kashmira from Andover. 

The charges against Sweeney include motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence of liquor and speeding. 

"He has a history of lost time and blackouts," defense attorney Kevin Mahoney told the court. 

Mahoney said Sweeney's mother had him sectioned at UMass-Memorial Hospital in Marlboro in 2024, when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He said Sweeney was admitted again to St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester in December 2025, where he was given medication for psychosis but stopped taking it because it was giving him chest pains.

Mahoney said Sweeney called his mother after the crash while in police custody and "didn't understand what was going on."

"He was telling her he needed to head up north, and that made no sense under the circumstances," Mahoney said. "When she asked again to speak with the police officer, he said, 'it's OK, I'll get a ride home.'"

He said Sweeney has no memory of Saturday night.

"When I explained to him what happened, the result of the accident and the deaths, he said, 'I always wanted to be a police officer,'" Mahoney said.

Sweeney was expected to appear back in court later on Monday for a bail hearing.