UPDATE: Taunton man charged in fatal OUI crash appears in court on additional charges

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — A Taunton man who is being accused of leaving the scene of a fatal crash back in March appeared in court today on additional charges.

Back in April, 29-year-old Ricky Ponte appeared in court for charges of Negligent Motor Vehicle Homicide while Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of a Crash-Death Resulting, Operating Under the Influence-Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Personal Injury.

Ponte was ordered held on $25,000 cash bail and was bailed out.

Last month, Ponte was indicted on additional charges by a Bristol County Grand Jury on Manslaughter while OUI, Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury and Death, OUI Liquor & Serious Injury & Negligent, and Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury.

Ponte is accused of allegedly going 70 mph in a 40 mph zone when he hit 67-year-old Margaret McGowan in her car.

The incident occurred back on March 10 at approximately 9:15 p.m. when Taunton police were called to the scene of a two-car crash in the area of 380 Winthrop Street.

According to prosecutors, Ponte allegedly left the scene and walked to a nearby gas station.

Responders found McGowan of Fall River, who was found trapped inside the vehicle.

Her passenger was a 16-year-old female relative who was found outside the vehicle in a state of shock.

McGowan would later die from her injuries at the hospital.

The judge continued Ponte’s previous bond from district court, and will require Ponte to take random alcohol tests and stay alcohol free.

He could face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty.

Katelyn McGowan, a family member, said their family was grateful for the amount of support they had received from the public.

“It’s really helping us through this time,” she said.

Ponte has pleaded not guilty.