Fatal Accident in 2009 Near Exit 32 Leads To Mistrial

The Sentinel and Enterprise is reporting that the Ayer District Court has come to a mistrial regarding an incident from three years ago that left two people dead just south of Exit 32 on I-495 here in Westford.

Then 21-year-old John Cousineau of Worcester rear-ended a Honda CRV being driven by 40-year-old Henry O’Brien on the morning of August 26, 2009, causing the CRV to veer left over the median into oncoming traffic, where it flipped several times and was struck by a Dodge Caravan and a tractor trailer truck.

O’Brien and his passenger, 46-year-old Gregory Butler of Fitchburg, were transported to Lowell General Hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased.

During the trial, an eyewitness testimony indicated that Cousineau’s eyes were closed and that he was drifting into the passing lane at more than 70 mph during the collision, claims that defense attorney Melissa Devore disputed, claiming investigators in the case were “jumping to the conclusion” that Cousineau was actually asleep when his eyes were closed.

A new trial date is expected for Ayer District Court on Dec. 10.