CLARKSBURG, Mass. (TCD) — A Vermont father recently pleaded guilty to charges related to the 2023 death of his 2-year-old son, who fell into a stream after the defendant fled from a vehicle crash.
According to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, on Monday, March 4, Darel Galorenzo pleaded guilty to three charges, including manslaughter, in the drowning death of his toddler. A judge sentenced him to nine to 15 years in state prison for manslaughter, which exceeds the state’s guideline of three years. He was also sentenced to two and a half years for each count of operating under the influence of liquor and operating under the influence while endangering a child.
Galorenzo originally pleaded not guilty to the charges last year, The Associated Press reports.
On April 8, 2023, shortly before 2 a.m., Massachusetts State Police Troopers responded to a car crash on Middle Road, where they learned a child had been in a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek that was unaccounted for. Troopers determined the driver of the vehicle, Galorenzo, lost his child while fleeing from the motor vehicle crash on foot.
Responders located the 2-year-old in Hudson Brook and pulled him from the water at approximately 2:20 a.m. He was transported to Berkshire Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy determined the toddler died of drowning and hypothermia.
Police reportedly found Galorenzo soaking wet and intoxicated. He was transported to Berkshire Medical Center for evaluation under police custody.
According to a police report obtained by The Associated Press, “While attempting to wade through the swift current and frigid water, Galorenzo more than likely fell and lost his grip on the child.”
Upon his discharge, he was sent to Cheshire Barracks to be held.
In an interview with police, Galorenzo reportedly said his son couldn’t sleep and had been coughing, so he took him on a drive. He said he crashed due to the ice, and his son ran away into the brook, The Associated Press reports.
District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said in a statement, “During my term as District Attorney, I have stated multiple times that children are the most vulnerable members in our community. They deserve our protection. Mr. Galorenzo, the child’s father, failed at this cardinal task. He put himself and his needs over the safety of his child.”
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