Drunk Driver Charged in MV Homicide

BOSTON, June 6, 2022—A Lynn man was arraigned today on motor vehicle homicide and other charges after he was charged with fatally striking a pedestrian and fleeing the scene, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ, 35, was arraigned today in the Charlestown Division of the Boston Municipal Court on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, motor vehicle homicide by OUI alcohol and leaving the scene of a crash causing personal injury or death in connection with the crash in the early hours of Saturday, June 4, that claimed the life of 22-year-old Brandon Jennings of Marlboro.  Rodriguez was released on $5,000 bail, which he had previously posted after his arrest Saturday.  He was additionally ordered to remain drug- and alcohol-free while the case is pending and not to drive without a valid license.

Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Rahimi of the DA’s Major Felony Bureau told the court that Jennings accompanied friends and relatives to a bar in the area of the TD Garden on Friday.  At some point during the night, he split from the group.  He was later observed walking on Storrow Drive. 

Shortly after 1:00 a.m. Saturday, a gray Honda Accord struck Jennings and fled.  Another vehicle followed the car involved in the crash to an address on Centre Street in Lynn and provided the vehicle’s license plate and location information to Massachusetts State Police.

Responding State Police Troopers arrived at the address and located Rodriguez in the parking lot.  The key to the Accord was in his pocket.  A portable breath test registered a blood alcohol level of .119 approximately two hours after the crash.

“I’m grateful to the individual who witnessed this crash and took quick action to provide police with information that led to an arrest in this terrible case.  This helped provide Mr. Jennings’ family with answers to questions about their loved one’s death, and it ensures that my office is able to hold accountable the person responsible for taking his life,” Hayden said.

Rodriguez returns to court August 18, 2022.

          James Borghesani, Chief of Communications

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal legal system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.