Speeding SUV Driver Reaching for Gas Money Indicted for Killing 5-Year-Old Girl Crossing Street With Mother: Officials

The Massachusetts man who claims he was reaching into his pocket for $20 when he fatally struck a 5-year-old girl crossing the street with her mother has been indicted for manslaughter, according to authorities.

Worcester County District Attorney’s Office said Christopher Remillard, 58, was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury for involuntary manslaughter, negligent driving, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and motor vehicle homicide by negligence in the death of Candice Asare-Yeboah.

Around 9:35 a.m. on April 18, 2022, police were called for a report of a pedestrian crash in Worcester, officials said. Candice and her mother, Asha Nyarko-Asare, were hit by an SUV as they tried to cross the street.

They were both taken to a nearby hospital where Candice remained in a coma until she passed away on May 23, 2022, authorities said.

Remillard was initially charged last year and his defense lawyer said his client was “remorseful” and “very distraught that the little girl passed away,” according to WBZ-TV.

The suspect told the police he was reaching into his pocket and pulled out a $20 bill for gas when he heard a large thump and slammed on his brakes immediately, MassLive reported.

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Remillard has a reported history of motor vehicle violations, including driving on a suspended license. He was allegedly driving 47 mph in a 35 mph zone at the time of the collision, officials said.

Prosecutors did not say when Remillard would be arraigned.