By Michael Naughton
Four teens are facing manslaughter charges after their prank allegedly caused the death of a Northeastern junior economics major.
Edwin Keach, 21, was driving home on Dec. 21 at approximately 3 a.m. in his hometown of Easton. when his car hit several tires in the middle of the road. Keach’s car then continued on for approximately 150 feet before striking a tree and catching fire, according to the Easton Police Department.
Shaun Connolly, 19, a University of Massachusetts at Amherst student, was arraigned in Tauntron District Court on one count of manslaughter Dec. 31. Three juveniles were arraigned in Taunton Juvenile Court, each for one count of manslaughter.
Connolly, the two 16-year-olds and one 15-year-old allegedly dragged the tires into the middle of the road as a joke.
“One came forward at first, then the rest were down at the station a half hour later,” said Easton Police Detective Michael Fox. “They were all very remorseful. Kids do stupid things and this was a tragically stupid thing; they just thought nobody would get hurt.”
Keach’s close-knit group of friends from his home town was shocked at the news of their friend’s death and is still trying to deal with the shock.
“Everybody’s trying [to deal with it] but I don’t think everybody’s doing too good,” said Gregory Woodward, 21, who spoke at the funeral. “I think it’s going to take a while to really understand what happened.”
A fifth teen had also turned herself in to police, but is not being charged after a review of the evidence showed she had not participated in the crime.
“The proper charges were brought forward,” said Chris Markey, the Assistant District Attorney for Bristol County. “After a review of the evidence, we made the determination not to press charges on the girl.”
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences James Stellar said Keach’s death was unfortunate and untimely.
“It is always a tragedy for the college whenever someone’s life is taken away from them, particularly so young and particularly in such a senseless fashion,” Stellar said.
During his career at Northeastern, Keach volunteered as a Big Brother in Dorchester and served as Hall Council President for Burstein Hall when he was a resident.
“[Keach] was a cool guy that would always stop in and say hi,” said his former Resident Assistant Ian Goodwin. “He was a very social person and helped plan a lot of programs for the hall.”
The university released a statement after the crash.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Edwin Keach,” the statement read. “Our hearts go out to his parents, family and friends. On behalf of the entire university community, we offer our deepest condolences for this untimely and tragic loss.”
Spokesperson for the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office Joe Demedeiros said the four teens were released on their own personal recognizance and, at his arraignment, Connolly was ordered by the judge to not have juveniles in his car. The three juveniles now have an 8 p.m. curfew.
The four teens are currently awaiting their trial date. If convicted, Connolly and the three juveniles could face probation or up to 20 years in prison.
