NASHUA –– A local man, George Palazzo Jr., 53, was arraigned in Hillsborough County Superior Court South on charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated (DWI) after a fatal crash that left two people dead on Daniel Webster Highway.
Palazzo is accused of driving his 2022 Chevy Silverado at high speed, crossing a median and striking a motorcycle head-on, resulting in the deaths of Anthony Clayton, 68, and Sayira Muriel, 51, both from Massachusetts.
Court documents reveal that Palazzo told police he had consumed three mai tai cocktails at the Lilac Blossom restaurant and two margaritas at La Hacienda restaurant before the incident.
Witnesses said Palazzo appeared intoxicated and tried to leave the scene before being boxed in by bystanders.
After the collision, the motorcycle was dragged under Palazzo’s truck, with one victim trapped underneath.
The motorcycle was later dislodged, throwing the second victim. Palazzo then attempted to re-enter his burning truck, stating he wanted to die.
Prosecutors have argued that Palazzo should be held on preventative detention due to the risk he poses to himself and others.
However, his attorney, Amanda Armillay, requested his release on a personal recognizance bond, highlighting Palazzo’s family commitments and recent diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.
Armillay also suggested that if released, Palazzo could continue working at his job as a facility manager at Gentec in Manchester, attend medical appointments and remain under home confinement.
The court heard emotional testimony from the victims’ family and friends.
In response, Judge Charles Temple ordered Palazzo held on preventative detention and stated the need for a mental health evaluation before any further discussions on his release.
As he was led from the courtroom, Palazzo lowered his mask and expressed love to his family and friends in attendance.
