Former NH Police Officer Sentenced 10 to 20 Years, 3 Years Suspended

MANCHESTER, NH — Tyler Berry, 30 a former police officer in Londonderry and Bedford, was sentenced to 10 to 20 years with 3 years suspended off the minimum sentence in the New Hampshire State Prison.

The sentencing was completed Friday by Chief Superior Court Justice Tina Nadeau in Hillsborough County Superior court in Manchester.

Berry hit a car head-on with his pick-up truck on Route 101 in Amherst on April 5, 2019, in Amherst. Sierra Croteau, 21 of Milford the operator of the car died as a result of the accident.
Berry had been drinking in the afternoon at a Londonderry brewery and then drove to Millenium Entertainment in Bedford where he continued to drink before the accident.

In court prosecutors said that Several people called police reporting erratic operations and passing on double yellow lines but police didn’t locate the truck before it crashed, killing Croteau.

Berry pleaded guilty to manslaughter, in exchange for a stand-committed prison term of 10-20 years, with three years of the minimum, suspended, contingent on good behavior, and that he abides by all terms of the agreement.

Berry also pleaded guilty to falsifying physical evidence, for which he was sentenced to 3 1/2 to 7 years in prison, all suspended for 5 years beginning with his release from prison, also contingent on his good behavior and compliance with the other terms of the agreement.

Those terms include paying $385 restitution to Andrew Croteau, Sierra Croteau's father, and Berry has no contact with any members of Sierra Croteau's family.

Family and friends of the victim spoke in court and read victim impact statements while Berry sat and listened. Berry, while at the defense table with his attorney, faced a framed photo of Sierra Croteau that her family placed in front of him. Berry became emotional at times as very emotional statements were shared by family and friends.

Berry, before the sentencing, asked for permission to address the family, which was granted. He apologized and took total responsibility for what he did. He said nothing he could do, could ever bring Sierra back and regretted what he did.

After Judge Nadeau read the sentence, Hillsborough County Sheriffs placed Berry in handcuffs and took him into custody. Until Friday's sentencing, he had remained free, and will now be transported to the New Hampshire State Prison for men where he will begin serving his sentence.

The courtroom was filled with family and friends of Sierra Croteau, and several NH State Troopers who had investigated the crash and brought the charges against Berry.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news