Driver in Fatal Crash was DUI, Using Cell Phone: Shelton Police

SHELTON, CT — A 23-year-old woman is accused of driving under the influence and using her cell phone during a fatal crash that killed a 69-year-old Shelton woman in May, according to police.

Samantha Monaco, of Shelton, turned herself in to police on an arrest warrant on Thursday.

The arrest stems from a May 6 accident in which Monaco was involved in a fatal head-on collision with Rosemarie Dwyer on River Road in Shelton, according to police.

“It was determined during the investigation that Monaco was under the influence and was on her cell phone at the time of the accident,” Detective Richard Bango said in a press release. “It was also determined that Monaco crossed over into south bound lane of traffic causing the head on collision with Dwyer.”

Monaco was charged with second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, using a hand held cell phone while operating a motor vehicle and failure to drive right.

Monaco was released on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court in Derby on Aug. 25.

Photo via Shelton Police Department

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