Man found guilty in deadly Westerly DUI crash

WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) — A Westerly man accused of driving drunk and causing a deadly crash three years ago has been convicted, according to Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha. Matthew Lyons, 39, was found guilty Thursday of driving under the influence resulting in death and driving to endanger resulting in death. Neronha said Lyons was driving down Oak Street the night of February 16, 2023, when he lost control of his car and crashed into 31-year-old Michael DePaola. DePaola, who first responders found unresponsive on the sidewalk covered in blood, was rushed to Westerly Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Neronha. Officers noted Lyons had bloodshot watery eyes and smelled of alcohol. Neronha said Lyons admitted to the officers that he had been drinking prior to the crash, and a breathalyzer test revealed his blood alcohol content was .109. Lyons was taken into custody after failing a series of field sobriety tests. "Driving under the influence is a dangerous decision, often with deadly results," Neronha said. "When [Lyons] got behind the wheel that night, he endangered the lives of everyone on the road that evening and cut Michael's life short." "While Michael's family will forever feel his loss, I hope this conviction brings them a sense of justice and assists with their healing," he continued. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.