Easthampton woman receives pretrial probation in 2018 Easthampton fatal
Ruby Schmid, 62, of Easthampton, appeared in Northampton District Court today, Tuesday July 28, for an agreed-upon disposition in connection with a December 3, 2018 crash in Easthampton that claimed the life of Denise Herzog, 63, also of Easthampton.
Schmid’s case was continued for 5 years on a charge of negligent motor vehicle homicide. Schmid was previously found not competent to stand trial.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276 Section 87, the Court, with approval of a judge, may place a defendant on pretrial probation, which is an agreement between the prosecutor and defendant before a trial or a plea of guilty.
Two additional charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a civil crosswalk infraction were dismissed.
Schmid was also ordered not to drive a motor vehicle or seek a license from the RMV during her pretrial probationary period.
Easthampton Police, Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services, and Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section investigated the collision.
“The Commonwealth believes that because the defendant is not competent to stand trial, or to plead guilty in this case, today’s result was a fair outcome to a terrible tragedy," Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington, who prosecuted the case, said.
"We hope this disposition brings some closure and justice for Ms. Herzog’s family and the people of Easthampton. The Commonwealth would also like to thank Ms. Herzog’s family for all of their support throughout this difficult case," Covington said.
Judge Maureen Walsh presided over today's hearing. Attorney Alan Rubin represented Schmid.