Suspect in New Bedford fatal hit-and-run indicted

By News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – The suspect in a March fatal hit-and-run crash was indicted by a Grand Jury Tuesday in New Bedford.

The Bristol County DA’s office tells ABC6 that 21-year-old James Bennett-Werra faces a slew of charges including manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, assault with a dangerous weapon, failing to stop for police, and two counts of leaving the scene of crash that resulted in a death.

Investigators allege Bennett-Werra drove through a stop sign on Tallman Street and crashed into 68-year-old Janet Murphy’s car.

Murphy was killed in the crash while her son Kyle was injured.

Bennett-Werra, who identifies as female, was arrested several days after the crash after hiding out in Pawtucket.

Bennett-Werra will appear in court on July 29 for arraignment and a dangerousness hearing.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019