FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — A local woman has been charged in connection with a motor vehicle accident last year that claimed the life of her passenger, 42-year-old Larry Sawyer.
“On March 12 at 4:30 p.m., Sherilyn Bennett, 50, was arrested at her residence at 90 Aroostook Falls Rd. in Fort Fairfield on a warrant for manslaughter, a Class A crime, and operating under the influence causing a death, a Class B crime,” said Chief Bill Campbell, of the Fort Fairfield Police Department.
According to Campbell, Bennett was indicted by a grand jury as a result of a fatal single motor vehicle crash that occurred around 10:50 p.m. on April 29.
“Bennett, and her passenger, Larry Sawyer, both of Fort Fairfield, were traveling northwest on the North Caribou Road in Fort Fairfield, when Bennett lost control of her 1998 Chrysler Concord, striking a tree. Sawyer was pronounced dead at the scene and Bennett was transported to the Cary Medical Center, where she was treated and released,” Campbell said.
Sawyer was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash was reconstructed by Maine State Police Trooper Robert Flynn and investigated by Sgt. Shawn Newell, of the FFPD.
“The investigation found cause to charge Bennett with the crimes and was presented to the grand jury where an indictment was handed down,” said Campbell.
Bennett was arrested without incident and transported to the Caribou Police Department where she was held on $1,000 cash bail.
A trial date has not been set.
