New Haven Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Fatal 2021 Crash: Prosecutor

NEW HAVEN, CT — A 39-year-old New Haven man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a May 2021 fatal motor vehicle crash in Roxbury, the State’s Attorney for the Litchfield Judicial District said.

William Young pleaded guilty last summer to second-degree manslaughter in the crash that killed James McNitt, 62, and severely injured his son, Clayton McNitt, then 34, both of Colorado, the prosecutor said. His sentence will be suspended after serving eight years, and will serve five years of probation.

Young also pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a motor vehicle and driving under the influence, in connection with the crash.

State's Attorney David R. Shannon said that, according to court records, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on May 21, 2021, following a head-on collision in Roxbury.

An investigation showed the defendant was under the influence of fentanyl, methadone, norfentanyl, Xanax, cocaine and other drugs when he crossed the double yellow lines while driving on Southbury Road and struck the victim’s car head on, Shannon said.

An investigation showed Young was under the influence of fentanyl, methadone, norfentanyl, Xanax, cocaine and other drugs when he crossed the double yellow lines and struck the victim’s car head on, Litchfield State's Attorney David R. Shannon said.