The family of the 16-year-old charged in an alleged drunk driving crash that killed 13-year-old Savanah Gatchell of Marblehead is “just devastated and heartbroken” for the victim’s family, according to the suspect’s defense attorney, James M. Igoe of Somerville.
Police and the District Attorney’s Office are not identifying the suspect because he is a minor. The Current does not publish nonpublic information about juvenile cases.
The suspect is in a local psychiatric hospital, Igoe told the Current on Saturday.
“He was treated previously for erratic behavior” and had been released shortly before Tuesday morning’s crash, according to the attorney. Igoe did not get more specific about the timeline.
Gatchell was killed Tuesday around 2:53 a.m. when the car she was riding in crashed into a stone wall in the area of 352 Atlantic Ave. She was declared dead at the scene, according to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
The suspect was arraigned in Lynn Juvenile Court on charges of motor vehicle homicide, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, operating under the influence of liquor and two civil motor vehicle infractions.
“This is a complete, complete disaster,” Igoe said. “The (suspect’s) family is overwhelmed with grief.
Igoe added that the family asked him if they should donate to a GoFundMe campaign, which is raising money for Gatchell’s funeral. They also asked if they should reach out to Gatchell’s family. According to Igoe, they had done neither as of Saturday morning.
Igoe said he hoped his client would remain hospitalized “for a while.”
There is a makeshift memorial at the crash site with flowers, candles and stuffed animals.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Gatchell Sunday, 6:45 p.m., at Devereux Beach. Gatchell was set to start eighth grade next week.
Savanah “was very loving and kind, and saw the best in everybody,” said her mom, Christine Gatchell, on Wednesday.
“She had a very big heart,” added her sister Alyssa Otero.
Through tears, Christine Gatchell added, “I’m very, very, very grateful for everybody’s support.”
The Marblehead Public Schools offered grief counseling at both the Veterans Middle School and Marblehead High School last Wednesday through Friday, and grief counseling will continue to be available next week.
“This is a truly devastating way for our community to begin the school year,” said Superintendent John Robidoux.
The crash remains under investigation by the Marblehead Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and State Police Crime Scene Services.
Anyone with information related to this incident should contact Marblehead Police Department Detective Sgt. Sean Brady at 781-631-1212.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
