FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWBURYPORT, Mass. – December 3, 2024 – Keoma Duarte, 40, of New Bedford, Mass., has been charged and arraigned in connection with the motor vehicle crash which killed Endicott College Police Sgt. Jeremy Cole, 49, of Exeter, New Hampshire, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced today. On Wednesday, November 27, just prior to midnight, Duarte’s 2023 Tesla Model Y was traveling southbound in the northbound lane on Interstate 95 when it collided with Cole’s 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer in Newbury, in the vicinity of the Central Street overpass. Cole was declared deceased at the scene. Duarte was transported via MedFlight to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston with serious injuries.

Today, Duarte was charged with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of liquor and operating recklessly; manslaughter; and motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation. In addition, he faces civil motor vehicle infractions for driving in the wrong direction on a state highway, speeding, and marked lanes violation. Duarte was arraigned in Newburyport District Court via Zoom today. He pled not guilty to all charges. The Hon. Peter F. Doyle set bail without prejudice at $500,000. Should the defendant post bail, in addition to following all laws and notifying authorities of any change of address, he would be required to comply with the following conditions: home confinement other than for medical appointments, GPS monitoring, no driving, no alcohol or drugs, screenings for alcohol and drugs, and no leaving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Duarte is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause/bail hearing on Thursday, December 19.

The incident is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Troop A Detectives, MSP Newbury, Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and Crime Scene Services Section, as well as the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and members of the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Michael Keefe-Feldman

E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov

Office: 978-745-6610

Cell: 781-771-9779