Marblehead teen Oscar Galante briefly appeared in Lynn Juvenile Court Friday morning for a compliance and election hearing connected to the fatal August 2025 crash that killed 13-year-old Savanah Gatchell.
The hearing itself lasted less than a minute before the case was continued to July 17 for further compliance and election proceedings.
Galante, who is charged as a youthful offender with motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, entered the courtroom alongside family members wearing a dark navy suit and coral tie.
A couple of supporters for Gatchell were also in attendance, including one wearing a pink hoodie bearing the phrases “Long Live Savanah Gatchell” and “Forever 13” surrounding a volleyball with angel wings on the front and the initials “LLSG” on the back.
Prior to the hearing, Galante’s attorney, Joseph Dever, said Friday’s appearance was expected to focus primarily on procedural matters, including the prosecution’s obligation to turn over discovery, or evidence, to the defense, and whether the Commonwealth had complied with those requirements.
Dever also said the “election” portion of the hearing refers to a future decision on whether the defense will seek a jury trial or waive that right.
Following the hearing, Dever said the July proceeding will likely serve as another status date while the defense awaits additional evidence from the Commonwealth.
Galante was arraigned in January after being indicted as a youthful offender in connection with the Aug. 19 crash near 352 Atlantic Ave. Prosecutors allege he operated a vehicle recklessly, causing Gatchell’s death.
At the arraignment, Galante pleaded “not a youthful offender,” the juvenile court equivalent of a not guilty plea in adult court.
As conditions of his release, Galante remains subject to GPS monitoring, house arrest and a no-contact order involving Gatchell’s family and witnesses in the case.
