Man avoids jail time after conviction in fatal New Bedford motorcycle crash that killed 24-year-old Krystal Geraldo

A local man has been sentenced after a motorcycle crash that turned fatal in 2021.

Court records show that in New Bedford Court on Tuesday, William Botelho Jr. was found guilty of Motor Vehicle Homicide OUI after being arraigned in January of 2023. According to the court clerk he was sentenced Wednesday to a 2-year suspended sentence.

According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, on June 6, 2021, New Bedford Police responded to a motorcycle accident which took place at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the area of Acushnet Avenue and Conduit Street.

The motorcycle was being operated northbound in the area of 2344 Acushnet Avenue when it struck a guardrail on the eastbound side of the street. He allegedly was drinking before the crash and was speeding when he lost control.

Botelho, the operator, and his passenger, 24-year-old Krystal Geraldo of North Scituate, Rhode Island, were both transported to the hospital with serious injuries. On June 8th, Geraldo died from her injuries.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Geraldo was a CNA who lived life to the fullest.