Crime & Safety

JP Driver Charged In Crash That Killed 90-Year-Old Woman

A 20-year-old JP man was charged in connection with a crash in Rhode Island that killed two this weekend.

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA — A 20-year-old man from JP was charged in connection with a head on collision in Rhode Island Friday night that killed two people, including a 90-year-old woman in Portsmouth, RI, and injured another.

Houston Smith was arraigned over the weekend from his hospital bed for two counts of driving under the influence, death resulting; transportation of alcohol by a minor; possession of alcohol by a minor; and possession of marijuana (under 1 oz.). He was later released and is scheduled appear at the Newport District Court on Nov. 30.

Police are still looking for witnesses as they investigate what happened.

Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

On Sunday, police identified the victims in Friday night's crash near the Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems campus. The head-on collision killed a 90-year-old Portsmouth woman and a 59-year-old Little Compton man. Dina Occhi, 90, and Theodore White, 59, were passengers in the car driven by Mary Ann White, 58, who was injured. She remains in the hospital.

Patch reported the preliminary investigation showed Smith was driving south when he crossed the double yellow line into the wrong lane and collided with an oncoming car. Smith was the only person in his car. Three people were riding in the second car. All three occupants had to be extricated by Portsmouth Fire. As did Smith.

Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Police are asking witnesses to call the station at 401-683-0300 or to call detectives at 401-683-0994.

Reporting by Margo Sullivan.

Previously on Patch: Deadly Crash in Rhode Island.

Photo courtesy shutterstock

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