Press Release  Lawrence Man Held Without Bail in Fatal Crash

Lawrence, MA — A Lawrence man was arraigned today on charges in connection with fatal motor vehicle crash that took the life of a Lawrence woman and seriously injured another woman. 

Pedro Nieves, 29, of Lawrence was arraigned today Lawrence District Court for Manslaughter while OUI, Operating Under the Influence causing Serious Bodily Injury, Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury, Speeding and Failure to Yield.  Judge Mark Sullivan ordered him held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for June 24, 2021.

The charges allege that, at approximately 12:26 am on April 29, 2021, the defendant was intoxicated while operating a 2006 Acura when he struck a Honda Civic at the intersection of South Union Street and Winthrop Avenue.   The passenger of the Civic, Gabriela Hernandez, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the Honda, a 20-year old Lawrence woman, sustained serious injuries and was med-flighted to a Boston hospital.   

The defendant had two passengers, a 31-year old Lawrence man and a 29-year old Methuen man, who sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Eric Salach for bail only and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Sorina Puzzo represented the Commonwealth at arraignment.

###