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Haverhill Teen Accused In Deadly Texting Crash Faces Judge

HAVERHILL (CBS) - The case against 17-year old Aaron Deveau is unlike any other in Essex County. Deveau faces charges in a deadly car crash, that happened, prosecutors say, while he was texting behind the wheel.

WBZ-TV's Peg Rusconi reports

It happened in February on River Road in Haverhill. Police records say Deveau was driving home from work in the afternoon when he crossed the center line and hit 55-year old Donald Bowley's car head on.

The report says Deveau told police he was tired, briefly looked away from the road, thought he saw brake lights in front of him and swerved. But prosecutors say Deveau was texting.

Bowley, a father and Army veteran from New Hampshire, died at the hospital. His passenger survived.

"Aaron Deveau and his family would like to pass forward their condolences to the Bowley family. It's a difficult time for both them and us," said attorney Joe Lussier.

Motor vehicle homicide is the most serious charge Deveau faces, carrying a punishment of up to tw0-and-a-half years in the house of corrections. Most of the other charges lodged against Deveau involve texting while driving.

The state law banning texting while driving went into effect just six months ago. A first time texting offense carries a $100 fine. Drivers who are under 18 can also lose their license for 60 days.

A Haverhill district court clerk will decide next week if there's enough evidence to go forward with the case.

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