Trial begins for suspect in Somerset triple fatal crash

SOMERSET, Mass. (WPRI) — A trial is set to begin Monday for the New York man accused of driving drunk and causing a crash that killed a Seekonk teenager and his grandparents in 2023. Adam Gauthier, 41, formerly of Somerset, is facing several charges of manslaughter and motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence. He previously pleaded not guilty in January 2024. On Christmas night in 2023, investigators believe Gauthier was driving drunk on the wrong side of the Veterans Memorial Bridge when he crashed into an oncoming car. Jacoby Arruda, 15, was killed almost instantly, according to police, while his grandfather, 73-year-old Floriano “Flo” Arruda, died at the hospital early the following morning on Dec. 26, 2023. His grandmother, 68-year-old Donna Arruda, succumbed to her injuries a few days later on Dec. 29, 2023. According to court documents, Gauthier told troopers he was celebrating the holiday at his mother’s house in Somerset and he had a “couple glasses of wine” before leaving. Court documents also say that when a trooper asked Gauthier if he was OK to drive, he said, “Possibly no.” Troopers noted that Gauthier’s eyes were bloodshot, his speech was slurred and his breath smelled heavily of alcohol. Gauthier was arrested after admitting to driving on the wrong side of the highway and repeatedly failing field sobriety tests. Gauthier’s attorneys say he failed those tests because he had a concussion and several broken bones and fractures. They went on to say that the fog, as well as a new ineffective intersection, are to blame for Gauthier getting on the bridge the wrong way. The victims' family has been waiting patiently for this case to move forward and told 12 News they want justice served. 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.