A 20-year-old Methuen woman was arraigned today in Haverhill District Court for felony motor vehicle homicide and manslaughter in connection with a 2018 crash that killed her friend.
Judge Stephen Abany ordered Emily McGovern to remain drug and alcohol free with random screens and not to drive while the case is pending. She appeared on a summons that was issued following an investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.
Essex Assistant District Attorney Calvin Skeirik told the court that, on March 31, 2018, Massachusetts State Police responded to a roll over crash on Route 495 north near exit 50 in Haverhill. A State Police trooper found a 2004 Lincoln LS overturned. Passenger Alexis Spartz, 18, of Methuen, was removed from the vehicle and taken to Lawrence General Hospital where she was pronounced dead. McGovern, who was the driver, was taken to Lawrence General and then med-flighted to Tufts Medical Center. Witnesses reported to investigators they saw the Lincoln traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic. Further investigation determined McGovern had a blood alcohol level of .19.