PITTSFIELD — A Springfield man who was allegedly high behind the wheel when he caused a fatal crash in 2017 is expected to plead guilty in the case later this month.
According to court documents, Anthony Serrano, 25, was driving his Acura on Route 9 in Windsor on April 24, 2017, when he lost control and collided with an oncoming car, killing the driver and injuring a female passenger and child.
The crash claimed the life of 31-year-old Daron "D.R." Reynolds, who was the host of a popular hip-hop and R&B radio show and was part of a local independent music label, Simply Skilled Productions.
Serrano has pleaded not guilty in Berkshire Superior Court to charges of motor vehicle homicide while under the influence, operating under the influence and causing serious bodily injury, but during a bail hearing Thursday, his attorney indicated he intends to change his plea.
He had been released on personal recognizance following his March 2018 arraignment, but he was later picked up on a narcotics charge in Hampden County and that release was revoked. He has since been held without the right to bail; that order expired Thursday.
According to court documents obtained by The Eagle, a state trooper was driving west on Route 9 on the day of the crash when an eastbound Acura drove past him at a high rate of speed near Notchview. His radar clocked the Acura at 91 mph in the 55 mph zone.
The trooper turned around to pursue the Acura, but by the time he'd caught up to it about 3.8 miles away, it had already collided with the Toyota Corolla driven by Reynolds.
Based on witness statements and evidence found at the scene, police believe Serrano was high on marijuana at the time.
A witness told police they saw the Acura slide into the oncoming westbound lane and hit the Toyota head-on.
Inside Serrano's car, police found a plastic bag containing an unspecified amount of marijuana, and they suspect its use might have contributed to the crash.
"Serrano's possession of marijuana coupled with excessive speed and his lack of ability to stay within a designated lane or his choice to go around a vehicle in a no-passing zone on a corner," demonstrated a lack of clarity and self-control, police said.
Judge Michael Callan ordered Serrano released on his own recognizance Thursday based on an agreement between his attorney, Joshua Hochberg, and Assistant Berkshire District Attorney Heather Valentine.
Serrano did have a cash bail set on his Hampden County case, but that bail appears to have been posted, Hochberg said.
He is due back in Berkshire Superior Court on Sept. 25 for a change of plea hearing.
A conviction of motor vehicle homicide while under the influence carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Bob Dunn can be reached at bdunn@berkshireeagle.com, at @BobDunn413 on Twitter and 413-496-6249.