Massachusetts
Massachusetts man who killed ‘remarkable young woman’ in wrong-way crash is sentenced to prison
A man who robbed a 7-Eleven before killing a “remarkable young woman” in a wrong-way crash while fleeing police has been sentenced to prison.
Salem man William Leger, 40, is facing decades behind bars in connection to the death of Ashley Forward, 19, back in June of 2021.
Five years ago to the day, Leger committed a robbery at 7-Eleven on Lincoln Avenue in Saugus and then fled from a cop.
Leger drove a stolen vehicle south in the northbound lanes of Route 107, and collided with Forward’s vehicle.
Forward, of Lynn — who had just finished her first year as a nursing student at Emmanuel College — was killed in the crash. She was visiting her grandmother when the devastating crash happened.
Leger entered guilty pleas to charges of manslaughter, unarmed robbery, and receiving a stolen vehicle. He was sentenced to 18-20 years in state prison for the manslaughter charge, to be followed by 6-8 years in state prison for the unarmed robbery charge. That will be followed by five years of probation.
Before the sentencing, Forward’s younger sister Jillian and mother, Michelle Luongo, spoke about the impact of Leger’s actions and of Forward.
She was an athletic graduate of KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate High School, who was on her to becoming a nurse. Also, Forward had volunteered with My Brother’s Table and the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn.
“Ashley was a remarkable young woman with a bright future ahead of her,” her mother said. “She was kind, compassionate, and always willing to help others no matter what… Nursing was not just a career choice for her – it reflected who she was.
“She wanted to care for people, to comfort them, and to heal them,” her mother added. “Her life mattered deeply – not just to her family, her friends, or the community where she gave so much of her time, but to the people she would have helped along the way.”
A Massachusetts man was arrested on numerous charges, including gun and drug offenses, police said.
Georgie Estrella, 41, of Attleboro was arrested shortly after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday on charges of manufacturing, delivering or possessing with intent the to deliver crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, LSD, crack cocaine, psilocybin, clonazepam, alprazolam, and buprenorphine, carrying a pistol or revolver without a license or permit, possession of a firearm by certain persons prohibited, carrying a firearm when committing a crime of violence, possession of a firearm while committing a controlled substance violation, alteration of marks of identification on firearms, carjacking, attempted larceny of more than $10,000, assault on a police officer, vandalism or malicious injury to property, resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer in the execution of duty, and disorderly conduct, the Rhode Island State Police said in a media release.
Estrella was also arrested on three warrants charging him with failing to appear in court for drug cases, according to the release.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The average gas price in Massachusetts has fallen by 10 cents from last week, now averaging $4.29 per gallon.
This decline occurs despite ongoing disruptions in global oil markets and overseas conflict.
According to AAA Northeast, the average gas price in Massachusetts is 17 cents lower than one month ago. However, prices remain $1.30 higher than the same day last year and 13 cents above the national average.
Petroleum markets remain unsettled as negotiations to end the war in Iran continue. The conflict in Iran has entered its 15th week, contributing to market instability. U.S. crude inventories are currently at their lowest levels since mid-February.
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WWLP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WWLP staff before being published.
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has announced the return of its Pride Hikes, a series of guided walks across several state parks in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
These events will take place throughout June to create welcoming outdoor experiences for all communities during Pride Month. Each of the six hikes will be held at a different DCR property, with the events varying in length, terrain, and level of difficulty.
Participants are welcome to dress in Pride colors and are encouraged to bring necessary hiking supplies, including sturdy footwear, water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
“Our public lands and open spaces belong to everyone, and our Pride Hikes are a chance to celebrate the beauty of our landscapes and of each other,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “We’re welcoming members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their families, friends, and allies into our parks to enjoy the outdoors together and strengthen connections to nature and one another. We’re grateful to our partners across the state for helping create welcoming spaces where people can celebrate Pride, build community and experience a sense of belonging.”
The DCR is partnering with Queer Men of the Berkshires, the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst, OUT MetroWest, and the Greater Boston and Franklin-Hampshire chapters of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays to host this series of hikes, with additional support from volunteers with Mass Audubon and RiverCulture.
This year’s Pride Hikes will take place at the following DCR properties:
- Great Falls Discovery Center, Montague
- Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
- Saturday, June 20, 7:30 to 9:15 p.m.
- Mount Holyoke Range State Park, Amherst
- Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Riverfront State Park, Lawrence
- Saturday, June 27, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Douglas State Forest, Douglas
- Saturday, June 27, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Bristol Blake State Reservation, Norfolk
- Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The hikes are subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. To learn more about each Pride Hike location, visit mass.gov.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WWLP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WWLP staff before being published.
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.
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