Wrong-way crash murder trial continues

This article by Mike Donoghue originally appeared May 9 in the Brattleboro Reformer.

BURLINGTON — Five Central Vermont teens killed in a fiery two-vehicle crash on Interstate 89 in Williston 2 years ago died from blunt force trauma, the state’s deputy chief medical examiner told a Vermont Superior Court jury Wednesday.

Dr. Elizabeth Bundock offered the testimony on Day 3 of the criminal trial of Steven D. Bourgoin, 38, of Williston.

Eli Brookens, 16, of Waterbury; Janie Chase Cozzi, 15, of Fayston; Liam Hale, 16, of Fayston; Mary Harris, 16, of Moretown; and Cyrus Zschau, 16, of Moretown are believed to have died almost instantly in the crash about 11:55 p.m. Oct. 8, 2016.

Bourgoin has pleaded not guilty to five counts of second degree murder for showing wanton disregard toward the teens by speeding and driving the wrong way on I-89. He also had drugs in his system, including high levels of THC — the active ingredient in marijuana, records show.

The doctor said she ruled the deaths homicides. There was no evidence that the victims took any significant breaths after their car caught fire. Four were pinned in the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, while Harris was ejected — possibly through the sunroof.

Read full article at the Brattleboro Reformer.

(Fair use with written permission from the New England Newspapers Inc.)

Image courtesy of state of Vermont

One thought on “Wrong-way crash murder trial continues

  1. Was he Crazy, let’s see how many people drive the interstate going the wrong way over
    100 mph crashes, and then steals a police car crashes again ??

    This clown was higher than a kite, he no idea where he was, that being loaded, stoned
    not crazy …….. then trying escape for his deeds that he Just committed……….

    What a POS !!

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