Driver Indicted for Manslaughter in Crash that Killed Two

BOSTON, Nov. 14, 2016—A motorist who collided with an airport shuttle this summer, causing a crash that claimed two lives, has been indicted for manslaughter, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

The Suffolk County Grand Jury returned indictments on Nov. 9 charging STEVEN BIRENBAUM (D.O.B. 7/6/89) of Swampscott with two counts each of manslaughter by motor vehicle and motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence, all in connection with the Aug. 31 deaths of Joseph A. Rodriguez, 59, and Sandra L. Arreola, 56, both of El Paso, Texas.

Prosecutors say Birenbaum was operating a Subaru Legacy at speeds of up to 80 mph at approximately 1:00 that morning when he struck the rear of an airport/hotel shuttle vehicle on Route 90 east, causing both vehicles to collide with highway barriers. Rodriguez and Arreola, who were passengers in the shuttle, suffered fatal injuries; the shuttle’s driver and two other passengers suffered less serious injuries.

Blood samples were taken from both drivers. The shuttle driver’s blood showed no signs of alcohol in his system. When analyzed at the State Police Crime Lab, Birenbaum’s showed a blood-alcohol content of .15, or almost twice the legal limit of .08.

Birenbaum is expected to be arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on Nov. 28.

 

 

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.