NORTHAMPTON – A Montgomery man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that include motor vehicle homicide.
Joshua Hall is accused of driving a truck on July 11 that crashed on Route 112 in Huntington that threw passenger, Melinda Carriveau, 39, from the front seat of the vehicle. Carriveau died as a result of the crash. She was a letter carrier in Huntington, and was a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School.
Hall was arraigned in Hampshire Superior Court and was charged with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, 2nd offense, and manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol. If convicted of the last charge, Hall could face 5 to 20 years in prison.
State police allege that Hall was under the influence of alcohol and driving at about 90 miles an hour when the crash occurred.
At his arraignment before Judge Richard Carey, Emily Shallcross was appointed as Hall’s attorney. The prosecution asked that the bail and conditions set on Hall in district court stand, which was agreed to without objection.
Hall is scheduled to return to court April 15 for a pre-trial hearing. There will also be a Feb. 22 out of court pre-trial conference.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.