Suspect In Robbery, Wrong-Way Crash That Killed Lynn Teen Held Without Bail
BOSTON (AP/CBS) — A man authorities say caused a fatal wrong-way crash while fleeing from the scene of a robbery was held without bail Thursday at his arraignment held via video from his hospital room, prosecutors said.
William Leger, 35, of Somerville, pleaded not guilty to several charges including vehicular homicide by reckless operation and unarmed robbery during the arraignment, according to a statement from Essex district attorney's office.
He was held pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for June 17.
Authorities say Leger robbed a convenience story on Wednesday, then while fleeing in a stolen vehicle south on the northbound lanes of Route 107 in Saugus, crashed head-on into another vehicle. Police had already broken off pursuit.
Ashley Forward, 19, of Lynn, died at the scene. Leger was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Ashley Forward got her driver's license after her 19th birthday in April and was a first year nursing student at Emmanuel College. "I hope he gets what he deserves through the courts," Ashley's mother Michelle Luongo said. "I hope he doesn't see another day in society."
A message seeking comment was left with Leger's attorney.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)