Charges Upgraded For Drunk Mom Who Crashed Car, Killed Son: Prosecutors

The Rockaway Township woman arrested and charged this week after crashing her car while allegedly driving drunk and subsequently killing her son has been additionally charged with death by auto, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday.

On Sunday, June 26, around 9:40 p.m., Rockaway Township police responded to Upper Hibernia Road for a report of a serious, single-motor vehicle crash, Knapp said.

When patrols arrived they found the driver, Debra Boucher, 62, and her son, James Boucher, 40, seriously injured. Both were taken to Morristown Medical Center; James Boucher by helicopter. Three days later, he was pronounced dead, Knapp said.

Debra Boucher has been charged with assault by auto, endangering an incompetent person, driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated in a school zone, failure to maintain lane, failure to wear a seatbelt, careless driving and reckless driving.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 973-625-4000.

Bail has been set at $200,000 with no 10-percent option. If convicted of the second-degree death by auto charge, Boucher could face up to 10 years in prison aside from her other charges.