The mother of a 5-year-old girl who was planned to be killed in a crash in Memorial Day weekend in Franklin, a 5-year-old girl who was planning to be vigiled for her mother.
According to the district attorney, Minaben Patel, 38, died a few days after the May 24 crash and killed her daughter Krisha Patel, according to a Facebook post from the district attorney and the Security Alliance.
“The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office and the Franklin Police Department are saddened by the losses of Minaben's family and our heartfelt condolences to us,” Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey and Franklin Police Commissioner Thomas Lynch said in a joint statement Tuesday.
Safe Coalition, a Franklin-based nonprofit, said in its Facebook post that it plans to hold a vigil at the crash site on Franklin Grove Street at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Another vigil was held at the crash site last Wednesday for her daughter Krisha Patel.
“We want to share the sweetness through the will of the family. Sweet Krisha's mother Minaben Patel passed away,” the security alliance said in its post.
“Minaben’s family once again thanks for all the love and support they shared last week,” the organization said. “They invited the community to commemorate this amazing mother, wife, family and friends this Thursday in honor of the memorial.”
James Blanchard, 21, of Franklin, was charged in a fatal crash and was ordered to bail on $250,000 after filing a lawsuit on May 27.
According to Norfolk area attorney Michael Morrissey, he was charged with car homicide under negligence and alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol for three counts of driving, causing serious personal injury, negligence, driving a motor vehicle with an open alcohol car and a distinctly luxurious lane.
It is unclear whether Blanchard will face additional charges in the case on Tuesday. Boston 25 has contacted Morrisey's office for comment.
Prosecutor Christopher Meade said during the arraignment that Blanchard told police that he had two beers in a landscaping job on Saturday, May 24 after working that morning.
When he left the beautification work, he opened a bottle of 1.75-liter Tito's vodka. Mead said during an arraignment at the Rensham District Court that he began drinking directly from the bottle and then drove home in a truck.
Mead said investigators later found a second empty 1.75-liter Tito bottle on his truck, and Blanchard told police it was “from the night before.”
Mead said while driving home at around 6:22 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, Blanchard ran into the Honda Accord, carrying a family of four on Grove Street in Franklin. They are going to Blackstone for their family birthday party.
Mead said the 5-year-old girl died after the crash.
Her mother and brother were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. My brother's condition was not known on Tuesday.
Her father, the driver of Honda, was treated and released.
Defense attorney Timothy Flaherty asked the court to impose a smaller $10,000 cash bail during Blanchard's arraignment, with release conditions including electronic surveillance and access to the alcohol rehabilitation center.
“This may be the right place for this young man,” Flaherty said during the arraignment. “It's an important case but a significant penalty. But I can tell the court that this young man is not a risk of flying.”
The district attorney said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of Minaben Patel's death.
Meanwhile, according to the girl's itu sue, Krisha Patel was held on May 31.
“Our hearts are sad when we say goodbye to such a precious little soul. In a brief time with us, she is filled with laughter, wonder and love.” “Her smile can brighten the darkest day, and her kind heart touches everyone she meets.”
“Although her time is too short, her spirit will always live in the hearts of all who love her.” “We will always carry her memories – like the beautiful, shining stars in the sky. May she rest peacefully, wrapped in love and light.”
The crash is still under investigation at the Franklin Police Department, Norfolk District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.
This is a developing story. As more information is available, check out the update.
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