Driver accused of killing Mendon teenager faces charges

MILFORD, Mass. — After months of waiting, Christopher Milien was arraigned in Milford District Court Monday for the death of 17-year-old Jenna Giardini of Mendon.

Milien is the driver accused of killing Giardini on June 30, 2021, during a car crash. The crash happened on Granite Street in Bellingham.

The speed limit of that road is 20 MPH, but according to the District Attorney’s office, Milien was driving between 40 MPH and 53 MPH.

Giardini’s family had previously expressed frustration over the lack of charges in the investigation.

Milien now faces multiple charges including reckless operation of a motor vehicle, homicide of negligent operation of a vehicle, homicide by negligence, and providing liquor to a minor.

Milien was released on personal recognizance and must remain drug-free, be enrolled in school full-time or working full-time, and cannot operate a motor vehicle. The judge said if any of these conditions are broken Milien will face serious jail time.

The family and friends of Giardini flooded the courtroom Monday morning wearing butterfly masks to show solidarity with the family during this time.

The Giardini’s family attorney on the civil side, Ernest Horn told Boston 25 News that this case is going to take time.

“It’s a tragedy on both sides. I hope people will look at this and learn, the countless fatal car crashes based on speed, alcohol, or drugs, and even distracted driving until you see it up close you might not see how bad it really is and this is certainly up close,” said Horn.

A pretrial conference is set for February 7, 2022.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Giardini’s hometown as Bellingham.

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