Driver Sentenced In Fatal Beverly Crash

BEVERLY, MA – The driver in an April 23 crash pleaded guilty on Thursday to vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol and manslaughter.

Joseph Castano, 20, of Williston, VT, admitted that he was driving drunk when he crashed into a pole just after midnight, killing friend and passenger Craig Sampson Jr. According to the Essex District Attorney's office, Castano was visiting his childhood friend at Endicott College in Beverly.

Judge Timothy Feeley sentenced Castano to three and a half years in the house of corrections, followed by three years of probation. During the probation, Castano is ordered not to drive, to stay off drugs and alcohol, and will be submitted to random screenings.

He will also lose his license for 15 years.

"Two families are devastated, one young life is lost and another forever changed, all because of alcohol," Essex Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said in a news release. "As the holidays approach and college students come home for break, I urge parents to talk with their children about drinking and driving and encourage them to ensure they have safe transportation home. This tragedy was entirely avoidable."

Essex Assistant District Attorney James Gubitose said Castano was seen drinking heavily by witnesses, and was determined to have a blood alcohol level of .22 percent.

After an altercation with a student, Castano got into his BMW with the victim, and sped down Hale Street where the Endicott College campus is located, according to Gubitose. When he lost control of the car, it slid sideways down the road and crashed into a utility pole, killing Sampson.

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