A criminal complaint will be filed in New Bedford District Court charging Fred M. Bevins with one count of Homicide By Vessell

By Gregg Miliote (District Attorney's Office)
Published 08/14/2008
Announcements & Press Releases

District Attorney has concluded investigation into the July 18th boat crash off the coast of Dartmou

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has concluded its investigation into the July 18th boat crash off the coast of Dartmouth that took the life of David J. Walsh, 64, of South Dartmouth.

A criminal complaint will be filed in New Bedford District Court charging Fred M. Bevins III, 60, of 22 Honeysuckle Road, Gloucester, with one count of Homicide By Vessell (MGL Chapter 90B, Section 8B). If convicted, Mr. Bevins faces not less than 30 days nor more than 30 months in a jail or house of correction, or a fine of up to $3,000, or both. A conviction also causes a loss of license for 10 years.

The complaint will be filed in the New Bedford District Court by the Massachusetts Environmental Police, and will be processed by that court.

The investigation has revealed Mr. Bevins was the alleged operator of “The Reasons,” a 63-foot motor boat that crashed into “The Priority,” a 35-foot sailboat.

Mr. Walsh and his friend, Warren Hathaway, were aboard “The Priority” at the time of the incident. Mr. Hathaway sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. Mr. Walsh died as a result of injuries suffered in the collision.

The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. in the waters between Round Hill Beach in Dartmouth and Cuttyhunk.

Assistant District Attorney Stephen Nadeau coordinated the investigation for the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and will prosecute the case. The Massachusetts Environmental Police, State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office, Dartmouth Police and the U.S. Coast Guard investigated the collision.