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Man Arraigned In Hit-And-Run That Killed Seekonk Town Employee

TAUNTON (CBS) -- An Attleboro man was charged Monday for a hit and run that killed a Seekonk town employee nearly seven months ago.

Prosecutors say Jacob LaCourse, 24, struck and killed Seekonk Assistant Town Clerk Karen McHugh while she was walking near her home.

Prior to his arrest, LaCourse had been free on bail for a pending 2013 rape case. He was wearing a GPS monitoring device which prosecutors say was one clue that led police to LaCourse.

LaCourse's father and girlfriend also provided police with descriptions of his vehicle and other information that later led to his arrest.

McHugh was friends with Seekonk Police Chief Craig Mace. "She was a special person, very active in our church," Chief Mace said. "The loss was devastating to the people in town hall."

LaCourse's attorney offered his condolences to the McHugh family on behalf of his client.

Karen McHugh
Karen McHugh was killed in a Seekonk hit and run. (Image Credit: Family Photo)

"His mind is focused on the victim's family right now and great grief and sympathy for what they've been going through this morning," attorney Nicholas Gordon said.

LaCourse was charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death and negligent operation of a vehicle.

He is being held on $1 million cash bail and is due back in court in August.

 

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