CONCORD, N.H. — A New Hampshire driver is facing two counts of manslaughter in a crash that killed a Vermont couple.

The attorney general’s office said Tuesday that Robert Dellinger, 53, of Sunapee recklessly killed Amanda Murphy, 24, and Jason Timmons, 29, of Wilder, Vt., on Saturday.

Autopsy results confirmed that Murphy was eight months pregnant at the time of the crash. The autopsies revealed that both victims died of blunt force trauma to the head and body.

Authorities say Dellinger had been driving southbound on Interstate 89 in Lebanon when he crossed over the median and collided with the victims’ northbound car. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Dellinger — who was hospitalized after the crash — will be arraigned in Lebanon District Court Wednesday. The attorney general’s statement does not elaborate on what conduct forms the basis for the reckless manslaughter charges and does not address speed or alcohol as possible causes of the afternoon crash.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Susan Morrell told the Associated Press she would not comment on the charges before Dellinger’s court appearance.

Morrell said prosecutors cannot bring a homicide charge in the death of the fetus, but are looking at other possible charges.

Dellinger was arrested at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Tuesday afternoon by members of the state police major crime unit as he was being released from medical care.

It was not immediately known whether Dellinger has a lawyer. A man who answered the phone at Dellinger’s house in Sunapee declined to comment.


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