NEWTON, Mass. — The driver who killed two people and injured many others when he drove his SUV into the Sweet Tomatoes restaurant in West Newton appeared in court on Monday morning.
For months, the families of the victims of the crash have been waiting for the driver, Brad Casler, to decide whether to plead guilty or go to trial.
Brad Casler’s potential plea put off yet AGAIN...still no indication of what he will do. His attorney asking the judge to decide what his sentence would be if he pleads guilty
— Kathryn Burcham (@kathrynburcham) November 27, 2017
However, instead of pleading guilty, Casler, along with his attorney, asked the judge to guarantee a sentence of six months home confinement and 200 hours of community service.
"He doesn't take any responsibility ever, it's just...why are we here?" said one of the victims' father.
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“No matter what we do today, history will not be changed and lives will not be returned.” - Casler’s attorney addressing the judge
— Kathryn Burcham (@kathrynburcham) November 27, 2017
Prosecutors argue this case calls for prison time, and say the constant delays over the last 18 months have been torture on the victim's families.
"Here we are, the Monday after Thanksgiving, the next hearing set just before Christmas, we should not have to be dealing with this," said Erika Morin, wife of one of the victims.
The incident happened in March 2016 when Casler slammed his SUV into the pizza shop.
MORE: New hearing scheduled in fatal Sweet Tomatoes crash
According to prosecutors, the vehicle was going more than 50 miles per hour and that Casler never used the emergency break or honked his horn to warn victims.
Casler asking judge for sentence of 6 months house arrest, 200 hours of community service @boston25
— Kathryn Burcham (@kathrynburcham) November 27, 2017
The crash took the lives of Eleanor Miele, 57, of Watertown, and Gregory Morin, 32, of West Newton. Several other employees and customers sustained serious injuries, including the manager.
"This is gone on long enough, the families have suffered enough and it needs to be resolved so we can move on and get on with our lives," said Miele's sister.
MORE: Families of 'Sweet Tomatoes' crash victims speak in court
The defense maintains the reason why Casler crashed into the building was due to his medical condition. Casler has multiple sclerosis, and he claims he was having a medical episode at the time of the accident.
Prosecutor: “I would ask the court to offer compassion to the victims in this case.”
— Kathryn Burcham (@kathrynburcham) November 27, 2017
Suggests continuous delays in plea decision is the true torture for the victims’ families
Prosecutors, however, argue that Casler didn't lose control of his vehicle due to a multiple sclerosis flare-up, but rather that he sped through a red light.
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Casler's attorneys claim he's not physically able to serve time in prison as he will not have access to proper medical care if he's locked up.
Once again, Casler's plea was pushed off. His attorney blamed a miscommunication with the court, and says his client is anxious to avoid a trial.
"He doesn't want to go to trial because he doesn't want to put people through that - it's a very long, very arduous and very painful (process) to everybody involved," said Casler's attorney, Tom Giblin. "He certainly is remorseful, and I think remorse and acceptance of responsibility run hand in hand here."
The defense told the judge his client is already locked in a "mental prison" and is asking the judge to recommend house arrest before Casler enters a plea. Family members are saying this is just more proof that Casler has no remorse.
"He needs to plead guilty and he needs to let us move on with our lives - it's not about him, if he's really saying it's not about him, then he needs to consider us," said Erika Morin.
A judge has scheduled another chance of a plea hearing for the end of next month.
Cox Media Group
