The driver accused of causing a fatal crash at a Newton pizza shop is on trial.
Brad Casler is accused of causing the crash at a Sweet Tomatoes restaurant that killed two people and injured several others. Investigators say he was speeding back in March 2016, when he plowed into the front the restaurant, killing Gregory Morin and Eleanor Miele. Several others were seriously injured.
>> Driver indicted for Newton Sweet Tomatoes deadly crash
Opening arguments began Thursday morning.
The prosecutor tells the jury that Casler told an EMT on scene that he was only driving about 20-25 mph and that his brake was stuck.
— Kathryn Burcham (@kathrynburcham) October 18, 2018
Casler did admit to having EMS, but said he didn’t have “an event.”
In opening statements, prosecutors told jurors Casler was speeding before the crash, but later told a different story to first responders.
"He did admit to causing the crash, that he said he was only driving about 20-25 mph, that he told her that his brake was stuck," said Asst. DA Christopher Tarrant.
But Casler's defense attorney Tom Giblin said his client suffers from multiple sclerosis, and a medical emergency caused him to lose control.
"It's an accident. It's a sudden medical emergency," said Giblin.
“Car accidents happen, but it doesn’t mean a crime has been committed,” the defense says. “The evidence doesn’t amount to a crime. It’s an accident. It’s a sudden medical emergency.” @boston25
— Kathryn Burcham (@kathrynburcham) October 18, 2018
College friend of Brad Casler is the first witness on the stand, recounting a phone call that ended just moments before the crash.
— Kathryn Burcham (@kathrynburcham) October 18, 2018
“We were talking and he said I have to go, I have to go, I have to go, and then there was just silence.” @boston25
Prosecutors charged Casler with two counts of motor vehicle homicide. For more than a year Giblin tried to negotiate a deal that would have kept his client out of prison, but Giblin said prosecutors were unwilling to take jail time off the table.
>>PREVIOUS: Casler too sick for prison, attorney testifies
The trial will continue Friday and is expected to be very emotional for the families as the prosecution is going to on first responders.
More Sweet Tomatoes crash coverage:
- 2 killed after SUV crashes into Newton restaurant
- Firefighters describe scene of deadly Newton crash as complete chaos
- Photos from the scene
- Families of 'Sweet Tomatoes' crash victims speak in court
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