Judge Extends Foote’s Curfew as Rankin Motor Vehicle Homicide Case Continues

Owen Foote (far right, alongside his attorney) is able to work extra hours for his father’s snow plowing service after a judge extended his curfew Tuesday. (WHAV News photograph)

Owen Foote (far right, alongside his attorney) is able to work extra hours for his father’s snow plowing service after a judge extended his curfew Tuesday. (WHAV News photograph)

Former Methuen High School baseball standout Owen Foote will be able to work two extra hours for his father’s snow plowing service after a Haverhill District Court judge extended his curfew during a hearing Tuesday.

Out on bail since his Oct. 31 arraignment on a motor vehicle homicide charge, Foote and his Boston-based attorney Benjamin P. Urbellis petitioned Judge Patricia Dowling to revise the conditions of his release that pertain to his GPS monitoring.

Originally imposing a curfew of 5 p.m.-5 a.m., Dowling approved the extension, despite objections from Assistant District Attorney Thomas Sholds, who argued conditions should stand “given the totality of the circumstances.”

Under the new arrangement, Foote will be allowed to assist with snow removal efforts for Proscape landscaping starting at 3 a.m., but is still unable to get behind the wheel. He also must continue to stay away from witnesses in the case.

Foote was stripped of his license after police say he drove 70 miles an hour on Crystal Street in Haverhill, blowing through a stop sign and killing 17-year-old Jordan Rankin on Sept. 24. Rankin, a multi-sport Haverhill High athlete, sustained serious head trauma and needed to be removed from her car using the Jaws of Life following the accident.

Foote was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, police said. A search of his vehicle found marijuana and related paraphernalia, but Foote “did not exhibit any indicators or symptoms that he was under the influence,” according to Haverhill Police Sergeant Kevin F. Lynch.

The case continues in Haverhill District Court in early January.