Driver Charged in North Andover Vehicle Crash Death

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

North Andover, Mass. – June 18, 2024 – One woman was killed and another criminally charged after a vehicle crashed into a building in North Andover at approximately 11 p.m. on Sunday night. North Andover Police responded to the incident and Diana Melo, age 37, of Lawrence was pronounced deceased after being transported to Lawrence General Hospital.

Vickiana Vargas-Guevara, age 28, of North Andover was charged with motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol and being negligent; motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation; leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death; leaving the scene of property damage; operating under the influence of liquor; and reckless operation. North Andover Police and the Massachusetts State Police Collision and Reconstruction Section continue to investigate.

Vargas-Guevara was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Monday, June 17. The Commonwealth, represented by the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, requested bail be set at $250,000 and terms of GPS monitoring with house arrest, no alcohol, no driving, and a substance abuse evaluation with aftercare. Judge Jason Chan set bail at $50,000 and imposed all the Commonwealth’s requested terms other than GPS monitoring with house arrest. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 17 at 9 a.m.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Michael Keefe-Feldman

E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov

Office: 978-745-6610

Cell: 781-771-9779