Teen Who Was Allegedly Texting While Driving Pleads Not Guilty To Motor Vehicle Homicide

Aaron Deveau, 17, of 57 Beach Road, Haverhill, pleaded not guilty today in Haverhill District Court to charges of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, being an operator under 18 using a mobile phone, being an operator reading/sending an electronic message, a marked lanes violation, and two counts of negligent operation and injury from mobile phone use.

Judge Patricia Dowling allowed Deveau to remain free on personal recognizance, but issued a bail warning and ordered him not to drive while this case is pending. He returns to court on July 7 for a pre-trial hearing.

Deveau was driving on River Street in Haverhill at 2:37 p.m. on February 20 of this year and was allegedly texting when his car crossed the center lane and struck another vehicle. The driver of that car, Donald Bowley, 55, of Danville, NH, died as the result of his injuries on March 10. A passenger in Bowley's vehicle suffered serious injuries.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Ashlee Dole represented the Commonwealth at today's arraignment. Deveau is represented by Attorney Joseph Lussier of Worcester.

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