BOSTON, Jan. 19, 2016—A Brighton Municipal Court jury today convicted the driver that caused a massive crash on the Arborway, leaving one of his passengers and the driver of a second vehicle with life-changing injuries, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

Jurors convicted NIKOLAS PAPADOPOULOS (D.O.B. 4/8/95) of negligent operation of a motor vehicle for the Sept. 6, 2013, collision near the end of their first day of deliberations. Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 3. Papadopoulos faces a maximum of two years behind bars.

During three days of testimony, Assistant District Attorney Montez Haywood of Conley’s Senior Trial Unit proved that Papadopoulos was operating a 2003 Mazda Tribute westbound on the Arborway at approximately 2:00 p.m. on the date of the crash. Also in the vehicle were three younger passengers: a 14-year-old from Chestnut Hill, another 14-year-old from West Roxbury, and a 15-year-old also from West Roxbury.

Haywood proved that Papadopoulos was travelling well over the speed limit when his vehicle crossed the center line and crashed into a 2004 Ford F-150 pickup truck. The truck’s driver, a 33-year-old Dorchester man, suffered life-altering injuries and can no longer move about or communicate on his own.  His passenger, a 34-year-old Quincy man, suffered less serious injuries.

One of Papadopoulos’ 14-year-old passengers suffered a traumatic brain injury after being ejected from the vehicle and now uses a wheelchair; the other 14-year-old passenger was seriously injured.  Neither was wearing his seatbelt.  The 15-year-old passenger suffered less serious injuries.

“These victims and their families waited more than two and a half years for this day,” Conley said. “Throughout these proceedings, they’ve conducted themselves with enormous strength and grace despite the grievous injuries inflicted upon them. They’ve been inspirations to every member of the trial team.”

Kara Hayes was the DA’s assigned victim-witness advocate. The defendant was represented by attorney John Amabile.

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