Manslaughter Charges Filed in Connection with Fatal Highway Crash in Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — Manslaughter charges have been filed against a Windsor Locks man whose car struck the back of a motorcycle on Interstate 91 in Enfield nearly a year ago, killing its passenger and seriously injuring the operator.

Brett Verona, 27, turned himself in at Connecticut State Police Troop H in Hartford Monday morning. He is charged with second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, evading responsibility and failure to drive a reasonable distance apart.

He was released after posting a $50,000 surety bond, and is scheduled to appear in Enfield Superior Court June 14.

The collision occurred just after midnight on June 13, 2016 on the southbound side of the highway near exit 48. An extensive police investigation determined a Ford Freestyle operated by Verona was changing lanes when it struck the rear fender and tire area of the motorcycle, knocking it off the highway about nine-tenths of a mile south of exit 49, police said.

Caroline McCallister, 47, of Milford, a passenger on the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, while the operator, Randal Ruelle, 47, also of Milford, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, police said.

Verona, who was not injured in the collision, was originally charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Photo courtesy of Connecticut State Police