21-year-old driver in deadly Franklin crash held on $250,000 bail

FRANKLIN, Mass. (WLNE) — The man accused of killing a five-year-old girl in a crash in Franklin appeared in court on Tuesday.

21-year-old James Blanchard, of Franklin, was charged with motor vehicle homicide while driving negligently and under the influence of alcohol,  three counts of operating under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with an open container of alcohol, and a marked lanes violation.

On May 24, a five-year-old girl was killed and her two family members were hospitalized with serious injuries after Blanchard’s truck and the family’s vehicle collided on Grove Street, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.

According to WCVB, Franklin police said Blanchard allegedly had multiple containers of vodka and beer in his truck, and that his blood alcohol level was .189, which is more than double the legal limit. Additionally, the station reported that investigators said Blanchard’s eyes were “bloodshot and glassy,” and allege his breath smelled of alcohol.

Blanchard pled not guilty in court and was held on $250,000 cash bail, according to WCVB.