Man Charged With Negligent Vehicular Homicide In 2023 East Haven Bicyclist's Death

EAST HAVEN, CT — In July 2023, 19-year-old bicyclist Joshua Cervero was struck and killed by a car. Wednesday, police announced an arrest has been made in the case.

Stephen Cote, 35, of North Haven, was charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle as well as other traffic-related violations.

Police said the investigation determined that on July 16, 2023, Cote was operating a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox westbound on Foxon Road (Route 80) when he struck Cervero, who was riding a bicycle on Foxon Road with two friends. Cervero succumbed to his injuries at Yale New Haven Hospital on July 18, 2023.

"This case involved months of detailed investigative work conducted by Detective Jon Trinh, including crash reconstruction, vehicle inspection, and forensic video analysis," according to East Haven police spokesperson Capt. Joseph M. Murgo.

"Investigators determined that Cote was traveling at an estimated 57 MPH in a posted 35 MPH zone and that his vehicle had a non-functioning right headlight at the time of the collision," Murgo said. "It was determined on scene that Intoxication did not play a factor in this collision."

Cote, who turned himself in to police Wednesday, is charged with:

• Negligent Homicide with a Motor Vehicle in violation of C.G.S. 14-222a
• Traveling Unreasonably Fast in violation of C.G.S. 14-218a
• Failure to Have Headlamps in violation of C.G.S. 14-96(b)

He's scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court June 25.

"The East Haven Police Department extends its continued condolences to the family and friends of Joshua Cervero," Murgo wrote in a news release. "We recognize the profound impact this loss has had on those who knew him and hope they continue to find strength and support as they navigate this difficult time."