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State Police Charge Driver in Wrentham Fatal Crash
JOSEPH M. MELE, 22, of Mendon, faces charges of motor vehicular homicide while operating under the influence, negligent motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation, and marked lanes violation.
On August 11, 2009, at approximately 1:28 a.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Foxboro responded to the one-vehicle rollover on Route 495 northbound, south of exit 16 in Wrentham.
Investigation by Trooper Michael P. Tryon indicates that MELE was driving a 2007 Toyota Scion north on Route 495. The Scion struck the median guardrail to the left and rolled over into the median. MELE was able to get out of the vehicle, but his passenger, 22-year-old Adam Palmer of Mendon, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. MELE was transported to Rhode Island Hospital by Franklin EMS with serious injuries.
The crash investigation was conducted by Troop H of the Massachusetts State Police with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, State Police Crime Scene Services Section, Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Police and fire departments from Franklin and Wrentham and the Massachusetts Highway Department assisted Troopers at the scene.
MELE’s case will be prosecuted in Wrentham District Court.
No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly