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3-Year-Old Killed, Mother Arrested In Late Night Crash In Worcester

WORCESTER (CBS) - A mother charged with motor vehicle homicide after her three-year-old son was killed in a horrific crash late Monday night in Worcester is being held on $50,000 cash bail.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports

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Christine Castro, 27, of Worcester, pleaded not guilty during her arraignment Tuesday in Worcester District Court.

Police say Castro was driving without a license with her three boys in the car when she hit a parked minivan on Franklin Street around 10:30 p.m. and took off.

That's when she lost control of her Toyota Camry and hit another parked car. That car then crashed into a tow truck in front of an auto body shop. Police say the force of the crash pushed the tow truck six feet.

Police say she was driving at least 70 miles-per-hour when she struck the second car.

In court Tuesday, prosecutors said Castro had rear-ended a commercial truck minutes before the crash. When the driver of the truck stopped to exchange paperwork, Castro allegedly sped off.

When police arrived on scene, they found Castro standing outside her vehicle with her five-year-old. Her three-year-old and seven-year-old sons were trapped inside.

Jayden Figueroa
Jayden Figueroa

The children were taken to the hospital where the three-year-old, Jayden Figueroa, later died. Seven-year-old Lewis is listed in critical condition. Prosecutors told the judge during Castro's arraignment that the seven-year-old could be paralyzed.

The five-year-old and Castro sustained minor injuries.

Castro is charged with motor vehicle homicide, three counts of reckless endangerment of a child, two counts of child restraint violation, driving to endanger, speeding, driving without a license and leaving the scene of an accident.

Castro was on probation for a simple assault and shoplifting charge out of state.

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