Boston Man Convicted of Vehicular Homicide in Dragging Death

A Suffolk County jury convicted a Boston man of motor vehicle homicide in the death of 48-year-old Walter Harris on Monday, but could not reach a verdict on a more serious charge of manslaughter by motor vehicle, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

Dervin Hibbert, 54, was convicted on a charge of motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol in connection with the crash that claimed Harris’ life in November of 2013.

Jurors in Hibbert’s Suffolk Superior Court trial failed to reach a unanimous verdict on the charge of manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of an intoxicating liquor under. A mistrial was declared with regard to the charge.

Assistant District Attorney Ryan Mingo, of the DA’s Major Felony Bureau, introduced evidence and testimony to prove that Hibbert was intoxicated and behind the wheel a Mercury Mountaineer at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, 2013, when he pulled over and briefly stopped the vehicle in front of a Cummins Highway liquor store.

According to court evidence, Hibbert then accelerated in reverse and onto the sidewalk, traveling several car-lengths while on the sidewalk and into a fire hydrant, knocking it from its mounting. Hibbert continued in reverse, striking Harris as he stood outside a minivan speaking to its occupants and dragging his body several feet.

Hibbert then attempted to travel forward while still on the sidewalk, but was stopped by witnesses. Blood tests performed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after the crash showed that Hibbert’s blood alcohol content was .141, well above the legal limit to drive.

At his sentencing on Dec. 11, Hibbert will face up to 15 years in prison.