Newsletter Signup
Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com
Father pleads guilty to manslaughter after losing toddler in brook while fleeing car crash
A judge sentenced Darrel Galorenzo to 9 to 15 years in state prison for his toddler son's drowning death last year.
A Vermont man pleaded guilty Monday in the death of his toddler son, who drowned in a Massachusetts brook last year after the man fled the scene of a car crash with the child in tow.
Prosecutors said Darrel Galorenzo was driving intoxicated when he crashed his Subaru Crosstrek on Middle Road in Clarksburg early on April 8, 2023. Galorenzo lost his 2-year-old son in nearby Hudson Brook as he fled the crash on foot, and first responders found the toddler in the water a short time later.
Appearing in Berkshire Superior Court Monday, Galorenzo pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter, operating under the influence of liquor, and child endangerment while operating under the influence, according to the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors also dropped a charge of conspiracy to violate drug law against Galorenzo.
Previously:
Judge John Agostini sentenced the Readsboro, Vermont, man to 9 to 15 years in state prison, the DA’s office said in a press release.
Advertisement:
In a statement following the plea, Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue described the case as “horrific” and said Galorenzo’s actions directly caused his son’s death.
“I will spare the public … the traumatic details of the incidents that led to a two-year-old child’s death, which included first surviving a car crash then ultimately drowning on a cold, dark night in a river rushing with melting snow,” Shugrue said. “However, I wish to express that this is one of the most tragic cases I have seen in my almost 40 years of practicing law.”
Advertisement:
Children deserve protection, he said, and Galorenzo “failed at this cardinal task. He put himself and his needs over the safety of his child.”
The DA also said he spoke with the toddler’s mother following Monday’s hearing.
“I shared my sincerest condolences, but I recognize my words most likely bring little comfort to her devastating loss,” Shugrue said. “As a parent myself, I cannot imagine the deep sadness she is experiencing.”
Similarly, he noted the impact on first responders and prosecutors who worked on the case, including the Massachusetts State Police trooper who entered the water multiple times that morning in an effort to rescue the boy.
“I am certain that every person who dedicated themselves to this case will be haunted by it for the remainder of their lives,” Shugrue said.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com