Court Won't Hear Appeal of Man Sentenced for Dragging Death in Milford

MILFORD, MA — An Ecuadorian immigrant who is serving 12-14 years for hitting with his car and dragging a motorcyclist to his death in 2011 won't have his appeal heard by the state's Supreme Judicial Court.

With an application for the appeal filed on Sept. 6, the Further Appellate Review denied Nicolas Guaman's appeal on Thursday, reports the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

Guaman was charged with second-degree murder, along with other felony offenses, involving the August 2011 death of Matthew Denice, a 23-year-old motorcyclist who police say was struck on Congress Street in Milford by Guaman. Guaman then fled the scene. Denice was reportedly dragged for about a quarter of a mile up Congress and Fayette streets, and at least 15 people had witnessed the events.

The case quickly became controversial when it was determined that Guaman was in the country illegally, and ignited debate about immigration reforms.

Guaman, who was originally deemed incompetent to stand trial, was convicted of second-degree murder and vehicular homicide, and sentenced in May of 2014.

Photo via Milford police