Families of 'Sweet Tomatoes' crash victims speak in court

NEWTON, Mass. — The Newton driver charged in the crash that killed two people inside of Sweet Tomatoes restaurant plans to change his plea.

Brad Casler said nothing as he left court Wednesday afternoon, but his attorney said Casler will plead guilty for the deadly March 2016 crash.

Eleanor Miele, 57, of Watertown, and Gregory Morin, 32, of Newton, were killed when an SUV slammed into Sweet Tomatoes in March 2016.

>> Court Documents: Driver was speeding when he crashed into Sweet Tomatoes killing 2

Several other customers and employees were also injured when the vehicle crashed through the restaurant during the dinner rush.

Several people spoke in court Wednesday, including the widow of Morin.

“It’s not only my grief. It’s Greg’s grief and our daughter’s grief and grieving for the life that we all should have had together,” said Erica Morin.

Miele’s brother, Tom Desmond, also spoke.

“Every morning when I look at a picture of Eleanor’s smiling face I have to face the fact that she is gone forever. Taken not by sickness or disease, but by the carelessness of a driver,” said Desmond.

>> West Newton Sweet Tomatoes reopens 18 months after deadly crash

Casler claims he lost control of his car after an unexpected multiple sclerosis flare-up, but prosecutors claim he was speeding through a red light.

The next hearing will be held September 14.

Cox Media Group