Driver in fatal crash faces new charge
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Driver Back In Court
A man charged with a fatal crash faces new charges after he surrenders his license.
Defense Attorney Priscilla Dimaio told the court that her client, David Hazard, is remorseful.
Published: April 16, 2009
Updated: April 16, 2009
PROVIDENCE—A Rhode Island man accused in a car crash that killed a mother of six has voluntarily given up his driver’s license.
David Hazard, of Scituate, was arraigned Thursday morning in Kent County District Court on a new charge of failing to submit to a chemical test. He did not enter a plea.
Hazard is already facing a charge of driving under the influence, death resulting, in the April 7 crash that killed Katherine O’Toole. The Foster woman was returning from her job at a nursing home.
Obituary: Katherine O’Toole
O’Toole’s family has expressed anger that Hazard posted bail after a judge lowered it from $100,000 to $25,000 with surety.
Hazard has been ordered to refrain from alcohol, attend counseling and agree to random screenings. His attorney has said his thoughts are with O’Toole’s family.
“He has severe concerns for this family, the loss of their mother. There are six children. It’s just a horrible, horrible situation for them. He has three children, but those children have a mother and father, and he appreciates the position that they are in,“ defense attorney Priscilla Dimaio said.
A pretrial hearing is set for two weeks.
NBC 10 News contributed to this report.
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Reader Reactions
$25,000??? Just give this KILLER a room at the Marriott with a fully stocked bar, a Gov’t car, per diem and a key to the city!! He’s FREE after TAKING SOMEONE’S LIFE!! And all he has to do is come up with just $2,500?? That won’t even make a dent in his drinking money!!! Listen people!! He didn’t “presumably” KILL this mother!!! This wasn’t just an UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT!!! It was irresponsibility by someone with a history of IRRESPONSIBILITY!!! $2,500???? What a colossal failure of the justice system!!!
Push for Legislation Bill H-5041..I believe it would allow judges to issue warrants for testing of Blood and breathalyzer on accidents in which there is serious injury or death resulting and alcohol/drugs are suspected!!! Bascially these losers cannot say no to any test if they know they are under the influence. I lost a borther 7 years ago. It is no fun he was only 20 years old!! Look up this information and be active to push to tighten the DD laws…god bless the O’Tolle family and others who have suffered these tragedies only to have the person that caused it out driveing around again enjoying their lives…
This is inexcusable. 8 PRIOR OFFENSES!!!! Why is he still on the streets? Just because someone gives up their liscense does not mean they won’t get behind the wheel of a car again. With his record, he probably will. I just hope my family isn’t out on the road when he’s riding around drunk AGAIN. Hooray for our wonderful judges! Once again you have shown us how inadequate our system is when dealing with drunk drivers. My prayers are with that poor woman’s family.
I ABSOLUTELY agree with Pawtucket48. This is a slap-in-the-face to this family who has lost their mother/wife/care-giver. I think all of those who are DISGUSTED by this mockery should join me in writing to the governor as well as the Providence Journal and voice our outrage. Let’s not forget that this man HAD 8 PRIOR OFFENSES. Six of them were vehicle-related!
This is the outrageous justice system at work in RI. This man has left six children without a mother, and he is able to WALK FREE AGAIN! Yes, I agree the license should be taken away, but his bail should be ten million so he cannot make it, or better yet, no bail at all given the severity of the charge. He needs to be in jail until a trial. What are these judges thinking?
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