DUI Driver Charged in Fatal Stratford Crash

STRATFORD, CT – A 27-year-old Bridgeport man has been charged with manslaughter in connection to a fatal motor vehicle accident on the Merritt Parkway in Stratford last year in which he was allegedly under the influence and speeding up to 82 mph, according to state police.

Jonathan Rosa-Whitlock, of 170 Lafayette St., turned himself into Connecticut State Police Troop G on an arrest warrant on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

He was arrested on charges of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of drugs/alcohol, speeding and following too closely.

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Police said the charges stem from an accident that occurred near Exit 53 on April 26, 2015 in which Jesus Rivera, 27, of Bridgeport, was killed.

Rosa-Whitlock’s vehicle rear-ended the 1999 Honda Civic Rivera was operating around 1:43 a.m. south of Exit 53 and north of the James Farm Road overpass, according to police.

The crash caused both vehicles to lose control and Rivera’s car came to a final rest in the right shoulder while Rosa Whitlock’s 2015 Subaru Impreza landed in the middle of the roadway, forcing the shutdown of the southbound side of the highway.

Both Rivera and his passenger, Jessica Dasilva, then 22, of Bridgeport, had to be extricated from the vehicle. Rivera was transported to St. Vincent’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Dasilva was treated for serious injuries.

Rosa-Whitlock was released on a $15,000 bond and is due in court on March 9.

Photo courtesy of Connecticut State Police