Illegal Immigrant in Prison for Dragging Cyclist to Death Appeals Sentence

MILFORD, MA — A man who is serving a sentence for being convicted of dragging a Milford man to death is appealing.

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Nicolas Guaman, an Ecuodorian immigrant, is serving 12-to-14 years for the death of Matthew Denice, reports NECN.

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 by Guaman. Guaman then fled the scene.

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, reports WBUR.

According to Milford police, Denice, of 22 Debbie Ln., Milford, had the right-of-way as he was traveling north on Congress Street, when he was struck by a pickup truck, which ran a stop sign.

Guaman, 34, of 10 Cherry St., Apt. 1, Milford, was charged with motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation, leaving the scene of personal injury and death, possession of open container of alcohol in vehicle, failure to stop for police, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop or yield, resisting arrest and wanton or reckless conduct creating risk to a child. He also had a four-year-old child in the vehicle, said police.

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.

Guaman's attorney expects a response to the appeal in about 60 days, reports NECN.