Melinda Easter, 18, of Raymond has been indicted on charges including manslaughter in connection with a fatal Dec. 5 car crash on River Road in Windham. The crash killed 15-year-old Westbrook High School student Tyonna Adams and sent three other people to the hospital.
In indictments handed up Friday, the Cumberland County grand jury charged Easter with manslaughter, three counts of driving to endanger, aggravated operating under the influence, and operating a motor vehicle beyond class restriction, according to the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office. Manslaughter is a Class A felony defined as recklessly, or with criminal negligence, causing the death of another human being. It is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
Adams was a passenger in the Pontiac Grand Am driven by Easter, according to Windham police. The car went off the road and struck a tree about 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. Speed was believed to be a factor, police said.
Adams died at the scene. Easter was taken to Maine Medical Center, along with passengers Sasha Williams, 22, of Westbrook; Kerrianna Girardin, 18, of Windham; and Brittany Freeman, 20, of Westbrook.
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