Chelmsford Man Charged With Drunk Driving, Killing Wife

CHELMSFORD (CBS) – A Chelmsford man has been charged with killing his wife of 53 years in a drunk driving incident outside of their home.

73-year-old Harry Conover pleaded not guilty to charges of drunk driving and motor vehicle homicide at his arraignment in Lowell District Court Thursday.

Prosecutors say he had an argument with his wife Sandra, 73, at their home on Cranberry Lane Wednesday evening, and then left in his SUV.

Conover said his wife ran after him and began banging on the windows of his Ford Bronco. He told investigators he then looked in his rear-view mirror and saw her lying on the ground.

WBZ-TV's Christina Hager reports

He said he thought she faked a fall, so he kept on driving.

After going around the block, Conover told authorities he came back to check on his wife and found her still lying down. He then called police.

Sandra Convover was rushed to Lowell General Hospital where she died.

Prosecutors say Harry Conover told investigators he had two shots of vodka before the incident and that his wife had also been drinking.

The Conovers have three children. Two of them came to court Thursday to support their father.

Harry Conover's attorney said his client "describes his wife as his entire world" and that the incident is an extremely devastating and tragic accident for his family.

Conover was released on a promise to return to court for his next hearing in the case.

Prosecutors had requested $5,000 bail.