Westford Woman Arraigned in Connection with Fatal 495 Crash

WESTFORD – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that Julie Gagnon-Erickson, 45, of Westford, was arraigned today in Ayer District Court and charged with felony motor vehicular homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol in connection with a June 8, 2018 fatal crash on 495 South in Westford.

Judge Barbara Pearson released the defendant on personal recognizance and ordered the defendant to remain under house arrest, to not consume un-prescribed medication or alcohol, to not drive, to remain in Massachusetts, to surrender her passport and to undergo a mental health evaluation. The next scheduled hearing in this case is July 27.

On June 8, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Massachusetts State Police received several calls reporting a motor vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction on 495 in Westford. Shortly thereafter Massachusetts State Police received a report of a two vehicle crash. Upon arrival authorities located the defendant in her motor vehicle and a second motor vehicle. The driver of the second motor vehicle has been identified as Raming Medina Cabreja, 35, of Worcester, was pronounced dead at the scene. The defendant was transported by emergency personnel to an area hospital.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the defendant was allegedly driving at approximately 80 miles per hour going in the wrong direction on Highway 495 while operating her motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

This charge is an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Suzanne Kontz. The Victim Witness Advocate is Renee Leone.