West Bath Courthouse

Manslaughter charges for Hope woman involved in deadly Woolwich crash

Defendant charged with seven additional crimes
Mon, 06/19/2017 - 4:00pm

A Hope woman involved in a deadly accident near Taste of Maine in January has been indicted on two Class A charges of manslaughter for the deaths of Robert S. Martin, 70, of Woolwich and Carolyn W. Martin, 76, of Woolwich. Danielle R. Ward, 34, was also charged with seven other crimes: two counts of Class B Aggravated Criminal Operating Under the Influence, a Class C count of Aggravated Criminal Operating Under the Influence, a Class C count of Driving to Endanger, a Class D charge of Driving to Endanger, and two Class E charges of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The accident occurred on Jan. 21. In addition to the couple who were killed, Ward and three of the six children in her vehicle were hospitalized with serious injuries. All the passengers in Ward’s car have since recovered.

A Sagadahoc County grand jury handed up the indictment on June 16, and a warrant was issued for Ward’s arrest. She was arrested at her home and transported from Knox County Jail to Two Bridges Regional Jail, where she awaits trial. The court set bail at $10,000 cash, which was $40,000 less than the prosecutor requested.  Ward has not posted bail; conditions of release would include not using alcohol or any intoxicating drug, including marijuana, unless in possession of a legal medical marijuana card, and to submit to random testing. She may also not drive unless she has proof of a license.

Ward was convicted in 2009 and 2013 of Operating Under the Influence, according to court documents. The manslaughter charges carry a possible sentence of 30 years in prison for each count, and a fine of up to $50,000.

Ward’s next court appearance is Aug. 30 at 8:30 a.m. at the West Bath Courthouse.