Woman charged in crash that killed UMass Dartmouth freshman ordered not to drive

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — A woman charged in a deadly pedestrian crash on UMass Dartmouth campus earlier this year was arraigned on Tuesday.

Danasia Sampson, 22, appeared in New Bedford District Court on a motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation charge.

An attorney said Sampson was granted bail on the condition that she will not operate a motor vehicle.

If she violates the condition or commits another offense while the case is pending, Sampson could have her bail revoked and could be held in jail.

Sampson, of Mattapan, wiped away tears at the stand.

She faces charges in connection to the crash that killed 19-year-old Frank Petillo Jr.

Loved ones of Petillo were present in the courtroom Tuesday.

Police were called to a reported crash with a UMass Dartmouth student around 5:30 p.m. on April 6 and found Petillo with significant injuries.

Petillo, of New Jersey, later died at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Sampson was charged after a lengthy investigation by Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. A trooper filed a criminal citation against her in September.

Sampson is due back in court in January 2024.