Northampton man arraigned in fatal October 2020 crash in Westhampton

Thomas Hanley, 77, of Northampton, was arraigned virtually this afternoon, Friday, April 2, in Northampton District Court on one count of Motor Vehicle Homicide by Negligent Operation. A plea of not guilty was entered before the Court. 

It is alleged that on Oct.  22, 2020, at approximately 3:25 pm, Hanley, who was driving a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, crossed over the double-yellow line on Route 66 in Westhampton without signaling, directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle being operated by the decedent, David Foster, 57, of Huntington.  

Massachusetts State Police, MSP Detectives assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, MSP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (CARS), and MSP Crime Scene Services investigated the crash. 

Hanley is due back in Court on June 14, 2021 for a pretrial hearing.  

Hanley was ordered not to operate a motor vehicle by the Honorable Judge Laurie MacLeod while this case remains open.

Attorney Paul Rudof from Northampton represents Hanley and Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington represents the Commonwealth. 

Motor Vehicle Homicide by Negligent Operation is a misdemeanor charge in the Commonwealth and carries a maximum penalty of 2 and a half years in jail, along with a mandatory license loss of 15 years upon a conviction.  ​