By: Laura Soukkavong
Dudley – A Southbridge woman is being held on bail following her arraignment in connection with a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl earlier this month in Webster.
According to court records, Sherry Mae Plitouke, 35, was arraigned in Dudley District Court on April 21, where she pleaded not guilty to charges including motor vehicle homicide, negligent operation, and speeding. Judge James G. Haddad ordered bail set at $250,000 surety or $25,000 cash, along with conditions of release. Plitouke was ordered held at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center after failing to post bail.
The charges stem from an incident on April 11, when Webster police say Plitouke struck Marleigh Guevara, a 10-year-old girl, on School Street near her home. Despite emergency efforts at the scene and transport to a Worcester hospital, the child later died from her injuries.
Investigators determined that speed was a significant factor in the crash. While Plitouke reportedly told officers she was traveling between 20 and 25 miles per hour, police analysis concluded she was traveling approximately 41 mph in a 30-mph zone. Authorities stated that, at the posted speed limit, the collision may have been avoidable.
Plitouke remained at the scene and showed no signs of alcohol impairment, according to police. Her driver’s license was active at the time.
Court documents also reveal that Plitouke had been arrested just days before the crash. On April 3, Dudley police reportedly found her unresponsive in a vehicle and charged her with operating under the influence of drugs, drug possession, and negligent operation. She was arraigned on those charges on April 6 and released on a promise to appear.
Following her April 17 arrest related to the fatal crash, Plitouke was taken into custody on a warrant before her arraignment.
Family members of the victim spoke in court, expressing grief and calling for accountability in the case.
Plitouke is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial hearing on June 4.
As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.