Feb. 16, 2018
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Connolly 508-688-5565
WORCESTER – A Leominster man was sentenced today to 7 to 8 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter by motor vehicle in Worcester Superior Court, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
The charges were brought after Dwayne Blackman, 37, of Leominster was identified as the driver of a car that was driving up to 80 miles per hour eastbound in the westbound lane of the Massachusetts Turnpike between Sturbridge and Auburn in the early morning of July 21, 2013.
Mr. Blackman’s car eventually struck another car and a minivan. The driver of the minivan was killed and two people in the other car were injured. Mr. Blackman also sustained serious injuries.
Besides the manslaughter charge, the defendant faced charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, operating to endanger,unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failing to stop for police.
Assistant District Attorneys David P. Feraco and Anthony Melia recommended a 15- to 18-year sentence while defense attorney James Gribouski recommended a 5-year to 5-years-and-a-day sentence. Judge Shannon Frison imposed the 7- to 8-year sentence on the manslaughter charge, and 10 days in the House of Correction on the unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. A guilty plea for failing to stop for police was filed.
The operating under the influence of alcohol, motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, operating to endanger, were considered lesser included charges of the manslaughter by motor vehicle charge and were dismissed.