Keoma Duarte, a 40-year-old New Bedford resident, faced arraignment in connection with the fatal crash that took the life of Endicott College Police Sgt. Jeremy Cole. The tragic incident occurred on Interstate 95 in Newbury, Massachusetts, as reported by the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. According to the Essex County DA's Office, Duarte was driving his 2023 Tesla Model Y southbound in the northbound lane when the accident occurred, resulting in the death of 49-year-old Sgt. Cole at the scene on November 27, just before the stroke of midnight.
The circumstances of the crash have led to serious charges for Duarte, including motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of liquor and operating recklessly; manslaughter; and motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation. Additional civil motor vehicle infractions are on the record for traveling the wrong way on a state highway, speeding, and a marked lanes violation. At the Newburyport District Court, Duarte pleaded not guilty to all charges via Zoom and Judge Peter F. Doyle set the bail at $500,000. As a condition of posting bail, Duarte would be subject to several restrictions, including home confinement except for medical appointments and GPS monitoring. He is also prohibited from driving, consuming alcohol or drugs, and must submit to screenings for both.
Further details on the court proceedings cite Duarte's next appearance scheduled for December 19, for what will be a probable cause and bail hearing. The various departments investigating this case include the Massachusetts State Police Troop A Detectives, MSP Newbury, the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and Crime Scene Services Section, in addition to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and members of the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. The ongoing investigation seeks to provide comprehensive details on how this catastrophic event unfolded.
Public reminders after the hearings emphasize the presumption of innocence, a key principle of the American legal system. Defendants like Duarte are entitled to due process. Meanwhile, the community mourns Sgt. Jeremy Cole, whose service at Endicott College reflected his dedication to protecting others—a duty tragically cut short on the roads he worked to keep safe.
