For Immediate Release February 11, 2008   
                                        
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia 617-679-6522

Lowell Woman Arraigned On Motor Vehicle Homicide Charge

LOWELL– Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today that a Lowell woman was arraigned in Lowell District Court today in connection with the death of Denn Touch, 23, of Fitchburg, and serious injury to Balonga Vilavong, 26, also of Fitchburg, in an automobile crash that occurred in the early morning hours of February 9.

Lyly Tran, 19, was charged with felony Motor Vehicle Homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol and speeding.  Lowell District Court Judge Marc Sullivan ordered Tran held on $5,000 cash bail and conditions.  Tran’s next court date is March 3 for a pre-trial hearing.

According to authorities, at approximately 3:20 a.m. on February 9, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Andover barracks responded to an automobile crash on the Rt. 3 ramp northbound to the Lowell Connector inbound.  Upon arrival at the scene, authorities determined that the male and female victim were driving on the Rt. 3 ramp inbound to Lowell when their car collided with a bridge abutment on the median side, causing it to become disabled in the middle of the ramp.  Both the driver and passenger exited the vehicle to fix the car’s tire and two other vehicles pulled over in order to assist. 

At that time, it is alleged that Lyly Tran was speeding in excess of 70 mph when it hit the disabled car, killing Touch and injuring Vilavong.  Touch was pronounced dead at the scene and Vilavong was transported to the Lahey Clinic to be treated for his injuries.  At the scene, Tran admitted to drinking 3-4 beers previously that evening.

These charges are allegations, and defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor who arraigned this case was Assistant District Attorney Gabriel Dym.

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