Man Charged in State Trooper's Death Pleads Not Guilty; Held on $500K Bail

WORCESTER, MA— A Webster man has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including manslaughter and vehicular homicide, in connection to the death of Massachusetts State Trooper Thomas Clardy.

David Njuguna, 30, of Webster was charged after striking Clardy's stationary vehicle during a March 16 traffic stop on the Mass. Pike in Charlton. Clardy, 44, was pronounced dead at UMass Medical Center later that day.

Tpr Clardy barracks mates from Charlton Barracks stand at press conference where Njuguna indictment announced. pic.twitter.com/ZjHvwH6RuX

— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) May 18, 2016

Njuguna was indicted Wednesday in connection with Clardy's death on charges of motor vehicle homicide, manslaughter, driving with negligence and driving under the influence, said District Attorney Joseph Early at a press conference. Early said investigators believe Njuguna was speeding when he struck the cruiser. Njuguna also tested positive for medical marijuana, according to officials.

"He denies that he was under the influence of any drugs," said Njuguna's defense attorney. "He has very little memory of that particular day, and doesn't know why he found himself on the Mass. Turnpike going in the direction he was going. This was not an intentional act. He feels terrible about it. He prays."

Commonwealth Dispensary Association Executive Director Kevin Gilnack issued the following statement following the indictment of Njuguna: “The death of Trooper Thomas Clardy is a tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fellow Troopers. The Commonwealth Dispensary Association’s strongly held belief is that no one should be behind the wheel while impaired – whether it be by alcohol, pharmaceuticals, medicinal cannabis or illicit drugs. All Registered Marijuana Dispensaries take seriously their roles in educating patients and provide them with both comprehensive written materials and in-person consultation about how to safely consume cannabis medicines. We support providing law enforcement with scientifically-grounded tools so as to best address all aspects of impaired driving and will work with all stakeholders to help prevent any future tragedies.”

A number of State Troopers were present Wednesday.

"In a perfect world, Tom should be out there, set up on that stretch of highway keeping motorists safe as he did so well for so long," said Col. Richard McKeon, who led state police's investigative team. "We investigated every possible factor that might have contributed to Trooper Clardy's death. ... We will begin the equally meticulous process of proving the charges in a court of law."

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.

Photo via WHDH-TV, Channel 7 News