LITCHFIELD — A 19-year-old Hudson man faces negligent homicide charges following what investigators believe was an intentional collision that killed a motorcyclist on Route 102.
John Burke was arraigned Thursday in Merrimack District Court on multiple charges including negligent homicide, manslaughter, first-degree assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated DUI.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:17 p.m. Wednesday when officers responded to reports of a collision between Cutler Road and Woodburn Road.
Emergency responders discovered a Toyota Corolla and a Mitsubishi Outlander involved in a head-on crash, with a motorcycle in the nearby woodline.
An adult male motorcyclist wearing a helmet was found unresponsive on the road shoulder and pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Mitsubishi sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene, while Burke, who was driving the Toyota, was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center with minor injuries.
Investigators from the Litchfield Police Department and New Hampshire State Police determined the collision between the Toyota and motorcycle was intentional, based on witness statements and physical evidence.
The Mitsubishi became involved when its driver swerved to avoid the motorcycle as it slid into her lane, according to police.
Authorities said Burke was allegedly driving under the influence at the time of the incident.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin, with an autopsy scheduled for Thursday.
Police ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the Litchfield Police Department.
