Interpreter faces malfeasance charges
July 29, 2014Study raises La. to 3rd in financial storm surge risk
July 29, 2014The surviving driver of a fatal two-car crash on La. Highway 1 in May has pleaded not guilty to a charge of vehicular homicide.
Michael Costello, 20, of Golden Meadow, remains incarcerated more than two months after the crash that killed 17-year-old Tyler Dufrene on the night Dufrene graduated from Central Lafourche High School. Police have said they suspect Costello was under the influence, though results from a legally required blood test have not yet been released.
Attorney Brad Naquin represented Costello during his arraignment. Naquin declined to comment afterward.
To land a vehicular homicide conviction, prosecutors must prove the driver was under the influence of alcoholic beverages, under the influence of illegal narcotics or under the influence of certain prescription medications.
If convicted, Costello could face between five and 30 years in prison. Mandated minimum sentences differ depending on the level of a convicted person’s blood alcohol concentration at the time of the offense.
Costello was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado that crossed the centerline on La. Highway 1 on May 28 and crashed head-on into the 1997 Jeep Cherokee Dufrene was driving, according to Louisiana State Police Troop C spokesman Trooper Evan Harrell.
Dufrene was pronounced dead two days after the accident. Both drivers were wearing a seat belt.
Investigators suspected that alcohol use may have been a factor in the crash, Harrell said, and Costello was booked after having his injuries treated at an area hospital.
A blood test was subsequently ordered, but those results were unavailable as of Monday. Harrell said two months is about average in terms of how long it takes the state’s crime lab to process blood tests.
Costello was originally charged with first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and a failure to drive on the right side of the road.
His case was allotted to Division E, chambers of Dist. Judge Hugh Larose. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m., Sept. 10.
