Kim Moss spoke, grief-stricken, to reporters. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Tragedy struck Somerville in the early morning hours last Friday, April 22, when a 2001 Chevy Malibu driven by Kenneth Belew, of 11 Fiske Ave., barreled into a concrete barrier with five passengers in the car. While three escaped with only minor injuries, one girl, a 16 year old Everett High School student, died at the scene. Another girl from Somerville, age 17, died over the weekend.

At a Monday, April 25, arraignment hearing at Somerville Courthouse, the Assistant District Attorney said that Belew was found covered in blood and in a state of grief, saying, “I killed her. I was driving and I was drunk. I’m responsible for her death. Take me to jail. That’s what I deserve.”

Belew, who was not visible at the hearing, was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and marked lane violation. A “not-guilty” plea was entered on his behalf. Judge Elizabeth Cremens set bail at $5,000 and set the next court date for May 17.

The courtroom was filled with many supporters and family members of Belew, including neighbor Kim Moss who spoke, grief-stricken, to reporters.

“These children need to know that drinking and driving is very dangerous. As we sat in the courtroom today there were six or seven people that were arrested for OUI, and they were the lucky ones. They didn’t kill anybody. They’re not going through this,” said Moss.

“He’s 21-years-old. This kid was so full of life. This is really doing a job on him. He’s saddened by all of this. I don’t even know how he’s going to deal with it.”

The accident occurred as the group was heading back from a party in Everett. Belew lost control of the vehicle, and smashed into the barrier. Among the other three who were not seriously injured were Jerry Altidor, 21, of Somerville, Rafaela Pereira, 19, of Everett, and Rudolph Reis, 20, of Somerville. State police say that the use of seatbelts prevented serious injury.

Court appointed defense attorney Emily Karstetter refused to comment on Belew’s defense.