Louisiana Man Indicted in Connection with July Hit and Run

A Louisiana man has been indicted in connection with the discovery of a dead body in the roadway of I-95/Rte. 128 on July 26 in Burlington, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan announced Wednesday.

Nicandro Velasquez, 51, of Haughton, Louisiana, was indicted in Middlesex District Court on charges of leaving the scene of a death and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The defendant’s arraignment has not yet been scheduled.

“A man died more than a thousand miles away from his family -- a shocking loss for his loved ones. We allege that although his companions stopped the truck to check on him, they did not call for help,” said District Attorney Ryan. “We recognize the Massachusetts State Police for their efforts and again thank the motorists who provided information that helped locate the alleged driver of the truck.”

Police found the body of 54-year-old Cliserio Cordova Ferral, also of Louisiana, lying in the highway near the Winn Street exit of the highway’s northbound lanes. Motorists reported the body to police and an investigation was begun. Massachusetts State Police later located a truck and trailer in Orland, Maine matching one seen near Burlington that night. Authorities allege Ferral and Velasquez had been traveling to Maine for work and Ferral had fallen out of the truck onto the roadway.

Authorities allege Velasquez knew Ferral had been injured, but instead of seeking aid, Velasquez then allegedly continued driving to the destination in Maine.