DRIVER CHARGED IN DEATHS
DA: Speed a factor in Newton restaurant crash
Proscutors are disputing a 55-year-old real estate broker’s claim that his brakes failed in the crash into a Newton restaurant that killed two people in March, and say there is no indication his multiple sclerosis played a role.
Bradford Casler of Newton pleaded not guilty yesterday in Middlesex Superior Court to two counts of motor vehicle homicide and one count of operating a motor vehicle to endanger in the March 1 crash of his Volkswagen Tiguan into Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant.
“This was a tragic crash where two people lost their lives and seven others were seriously injured,” said Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan. “The defendant was allegedly operating his vehicle at a speed which exceeded the speed limit when he crossed the marked lanes, went through a red light and struck two other vehicles before crashing into the front of the Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant.”
After the crash, Gregory D. Morin, 32, of Newton, and Eleanor Miele, 57, of Watertown, were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Ryan said Casler did not apply the brakes to reduce his speed, and “failed to control his vehicle resulting in the collision.”
Prosecutors said that at the scene, Casler told first responders that he could not push the brake pedal down and that the pedal was stuck and not working. Prosecutors said state police crash investigators as well as a Volkswagen engineer determined that was not the case.
“The vehicle was found to have no pre-impact defects that would have contributed to the collision and the braking system was found to be fully functional,” prosecutors said in a statement. “Further examination of the vehicle also indicated that the vehicle’s throttle position was nearly fully engaged at the time of the crash consistent with the operator pressing down on the gas pedal of the vehicle.”
Casler’s lawyer David Meier successfully argued to have Casler’s bail reduced to personal recognizance, though prosecutors had requested $10,000. Casler was ordered by the court not to drive. He said Casler is a father of three grown children and cares for his 86-year-old mother. He said Casler has never been in trouble with the police before.
“There’s no doubt this is a horrible tragedy for the victim and family. This was a horrifying event. Mr. Casler has nothing but sadness and sorrow for the victims and their families,” Meier said. “This was truly a tragic accident. I told the court that Mr. Casler was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 28. He’s been taking medicine for the past 27 years, including daily injections and monthly IV infusions.”
While prosecutors said there is “no indication” multiple sclerosis factored into the crash, Meier said he would be addressing that “as the case progresses.”