Suspect Denied Bail In Double Fatal Motorcycle Crash On DW Highway In Nashua

NASHUA, NH — George Palazzo Jr., 53, of Nashua appeared in Hillsborough County Superior Court South to be arraigned on aggravated DWI charges.

Palazzo is accused of driving his 2022 Chevy Silverado, crossing a median, and killing two people after striking the motorcycle they were on head-on and dragging it on Daniel Webster Highway. Judge Charles Temple listened to the prosecutor describe the incident that left two people dead at the scene.

Palazzo told police, according to court paperwork, that he had 3 mai tai cocktails at the Lilac Blossom restaurant beginning at about noontime. He then went to Cosco and drove to La Hacienda restaurant, where court paperwork indicated he told police he had two margaritas.

At the time of the accident, he was leaving the parking lot of La Caretta and according to witness statements, drove onto the Daniel Webster Highway at a high speed, losing control, and crossing the median. He struck the 2002 Replica Rowe motorcycle, killing Anthony Clayton, 68, and Sayira Muriel, 51, from Massachusetts.

After striking the motorcycle, it was dragged under the truck with one of the victims under the truck. The motorcycle was released from the truck throwing the second victim.

Palazzo, according to witnesses, then attempted to drive from the scene until bystanders boxed in his truck preventing him from leaving. Several witnesses said Palazzo appeared intoxicated and said he didn’t want to go to jail. At one point, he tried to enter the truck, which was on fire, saying he wanted to die.

Prosecutors said Palazzo should be held on preventative detention because he is a danger to himself and others.

Palazzo’s attorney, Amanda Armillay, asked that Palazzo be released on a personal recognizance bond. She told Judge Charles Temple that her client is a family man who loves cooking working in his wood shop, and working on his 1964 vehicle. She said he took on the role of caregiver for his now-deceased father and assisted other elderly family members as well.

His attorney also expressed concern that he has recently been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and she did not think he would receive the proper treatment while being held at the Hillsborough County House of Corrections.

The defense said that if he was released on personal recognizance he be allowed to go to work at his job at Gentec in Manchester, where she stated he is a facility manager. She also requested he be able to go to medical appointments and was willing to do home confinement.

The family and friends of one of the victims showed significant emotion as the prosecutor read the facts of the case, and the defense attorney presented her case.

Judge Temple ordered Palazzo held on preventative detention and spoke to the seriousness of the charges. He also said that before any other discussions about release were considered, he would be required to have a mental health evaluation.

As Palazzo was being removed from the courtroom, he lowered his mask and said I love you to family and friends who were in the back row of the courtroom.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news