2 Charged In New Haven Double Fatal Crash, Police Say

NEW HAVEN, CT — Two people were charged in connection with a double fatal crash in New Haven last summer, according to police.

Police responded to the area of Middletown Avenue and Barnes Avenue on July 27 at 1:52 a.m. on a report of a three-car accident.

Officers arrived to find a silver Hyundai with heavy front-end damage and a gray Ford with minor front-end damage on Middletown Avenue slightly south of Barnes Avenue.

Several people were taken by ambulance to Yale-New Haven Hospital. Two people died due to their injuries, and another person was severely injured, police said.

Rafael Serrano, 18, and Jahred Stephen, 23, both of New Haven, were arrested in the case.

Stephen was charged with two counts of first-degree manslaughter, six counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, improper passing, and failure to maintain proper lane.

Serrano was charged with evading responsibility, interfering with an officer, misuse of marker plate, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, insufficient insurance, and operating a motor vehicle without a license.