Crime & Safety
Woman Charged In Crash That Killed 10-Year-Old Girl In Worcester County
The driver is facing a motor vehicle homicide charge as the community mourns the 10-year-old victim who was killed in the crash.
WORCESTER, MA — A woman has now been charged in connection with a crash that killed a 10-year-old girl in Central Massachusetts earlier this month.
Marleigh Guevara died after being struck by a vehicle on Apr. 11, according to police.
Police identified the driver as 35-year-old Sherry Mae Plitouke of Southbridge.
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Plitouke was arrested at her home on Friday and is facing charges of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, negligent operation, and speeding. She was held on $100,000 bail, Webster police announced on Friday.
At about 12:49 p.m. that day, the South Worcester County Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a crash involving a pedestrian in Webster. Police, fire and EMS crews responded to the scene.
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Before first responders arrived, a passerby used an AED and began CPR on the child, who was unresponsive at the time. Emergency crews then took over life-saving efforts, authorities said.
Guevara was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.
Plitouke is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday in Dudley District Court.
Community Holds Vigil
In the days following the crash, the community gathered to mourn Guevara’s death. A candlelight vigil was planned for 7 p.m. at 535 School St. in Webster.
Dozens of family and friends gathered on School Street at around 7 p.m. to honor the community's tragic loss. WCVB shared a video of the vigil, showing community members holding candles and looking toward a poster that reads "Marleigh, we miss you!"
Marleigh's mother, Heather Pereira, has started a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses.
"Marleigh was everything. She had the kind of light that you don’t come across often, the kind that made people feel safe, happy, and loved just by being near her. Her laugh was contagious, her heart was pure, and her presence made this world a better place. To know her was to truly love her," the fundraiser said.
More than $39,000 has been donated as of this week. You can find the fundraiser here.
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