A woman accused in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Fairhaven two months ago was formally arraigned Wednesday.
Police said Renee Andrews, 35, of Fairhaven, was driving an SUV that struck and killed 29-year-old Katie Brienzo and injured another man on Sconticut Neck Road in November.
"The defendant left the scene, as per charged. That is why the commonwealth is asking for bail because she left the scene and didn't stay to speak with police and assist," Assistant District Attorney Erin Aiello said in court.
The mother of three is charged with motor vehicle homicide, negligent operation and two counts of leaving the scene.
The judge released her on personal recognizance.
Brienzo's mother, Karin Fostin, said she initially wondered why Andrews wasn't arraigned earlier. Police said the investigation took time.
Fostin said she is "appalled" that the judge released Andrews.
But Shane Carlson, Andrews' attorney, said his client cooperated immediately after she realized what had happened.
"Within minutes of this event happening, she contacted the police. The police came to her. She told them where she was, along with the vehicle that was involved. She was so distraught she couldn't communicate. She was so distraught she could barely breathe," Carlson said.
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