Earlier this year, on April 6, UMass Dartmouth was left mourning the loss of 19-year-old bioengineering student Frank A. Petillo Jr., who died in a car accident on campus.
As reported by NBC Boston, 22-year-old Danasia Sampson from Boston's Mattapan neighborhood, has been charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation. Sampson is expected to face the charge in New Bedford District Court on November 7th, following a state police investigation that concluded last month.
The accident has stirred concern within the University administration and the student body. The loss of Petillo comes after the death of another student, Alexandra Landry, within the campus, as reported by NBC Boston.
WCVB revealed that Sampson remained at the scene after Petillo was hit. Campus police found Petillo on Ring Road and transported him to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, where he was pronounced dead. Massachusetts State Police and the District Attorney's Office have concluded their investigation and filed charges against Sampson.
CBS Boston reported that a probable cause hearing on October 19 determined Sampson should be formally charged. With her arraignment pending, the implications of this incident reach far beyond the involved individuals.
