Southington Man Arrested for Crash That Killed Meriden Kids

A Southington man was arrested for a Bristol crash that killed two Meriden children in December last year.

Micahel Luponio, 26, of Main Street was charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, three counts of second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence, operarting without insurance and reckless driving, according to police.

Luponio’s vehicle crossed the center line and struck a vehicle operated by Kayla Torres, 31, of Meriden. Veronica, 7, and Yvette Martinez, 4, were killed in the crash. Torres and her other passenger Miguel Melendez, 35, of New Britain had serious injuries.

The crash took place on Middle Street in the area of Pinebrook Terrace on Dec. 13 around 12:35 a.m.

Luponio’s blood-alcohol level was found to be .24, three times the legal limit, according to police. He also didn’t have insurance. He was held in lieu of $500,000 bail and was scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 26.

The community in Meriden rallied to help the family after the crash. A GoFundMe raised thousands for the funeral expenses of the children.