Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Hedweens Quetant

Dedham, Massachusetts, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant, Hedweens Quetant, 21, charged with manslaughter.

Witnesses told Massachusetts State Police that they saw the 2019 Honda Civic driven by the defendant crash into the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by the victim on I-93 North near Exit 6 in Braintree.

Quetant was driving with his headlights off at a speed in excess of 100 mph and accelerating in competition with another vehicle before striking the rear of the victim’s SUV, witnesses told police.

It was determined by the defendant’s vehicle data recorder that he was traveling at
approximately 120 mph moments before the crash.

“This senseless tragedy and unfathomable loss continues to affect not only the victim’s family and extended family,” District Attorney Morrissey said, “but also his co-workers and friends.”

The driver of the other vehicle who was racing Quetant fled the scene. Despite the extensive efforts of the Massachusetts State Police, neither the driver nor the vehicle was found.

In court Wednesday, Judge Michael Doolin also sentenced Quetant to concurrent jail terms for reckless operation of a motor vehicle and racing a motor vehicle.
When he completes his prison sentence, Quetant will be on probation for three years. He was ordered to stay away and have no contact with the victim’s family.

The conviction for manslaughter carries the statutory 15-year loss of license.
District Attorney Morrissey praised the efforts of Assistant District Attorney Christopher Cook,who prosecuted the case, and Victim Witness Advocate Steven Nelson, who assisted the victim’s family through the court process.

The Defendant elected to plead guilty and was sentenced to o a 3- to 5-year prison term.