Bristol County District Attorney releases names of Westport couple killed in Dartmouth crash

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III announced Sunday that Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office along with Dartmouth Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred earlier today in Dartmouth.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. Dartmouth police were dispatched to the roadway in front of 422 Old Westport Road in Dartmouth.

Upon arrival, police located two motor vehicles. One, a gray Toyota Rav 4, operated by 63-year-old Philip Morris of Dartmouth and the second, a green Toyota Echo, that was operated by 76-year-old Jeffrey Moniz and also occupied by his wife, 76-year-old Diane Moniz, both of Westport.

The investigation revealed that the gray Toyota Rav 4 operated by Philip Morris crossed the double yellow line and struck the Toyota Echo head on. Jeffrey and Diane Moniz were located by police and EMS with traumatic injuries. The couple was transported to a local hospital where they were both pronounced deceased.

Philip Morris, who had minor injuries, has been charged and will be summonsed for, two counts of Motor Vehicle Homicide by Negligent Operation and a Marked Lanes Violation.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing.