By Brendan Monahan
SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WGGB)- The driver of the 1992 Nissan Maxima that crashed early Friday morning in Springfield, killing 17-year-old Ludlow High School student Alicia Rodrigues, has been cited in connection with her death Sunday.
Springfield Police Sgt. Thomas Long said a citation for 18-year-old Jake Trombley has been issued, charging him with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence. Police had previously noted that alcohol and speed had been suspected as causes for the crash, which occurred just after 1 a.m. Friday.
Trombley will be summonsed into Springfield District Court Oct. 15, according to court's clerk's office.
It is the second drunken driving-related tragedy in one week across Western Massachusetts, after 6-year-old Kyier Douchette of Holyoke was killed Sept. 25 after being struck while in a crosswalk at the intersection of Main and Cabot streets in Holyoke. Angel Ortiz, 34, was charged in connection to Douchette's death with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol.
