Massachusetts woman arrested a week prior pleads not guilty, held on bail, concerning crash that killed 10-year-old girl

WEBSTER – A Southbridge woman was held on bail following her arraignment today on three charges including motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation in connection with a crash that claimed the life of a 10-year-old pedestrian, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr.

35-year-old Sherry Plitouke was arraigned in Dudley District Court on three counts: motor
vehicle homicide by negligent operation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding in a special regulation zone. She was held on $25,000 bail with a pretrial hearing scheduled for June 4th.

These charges are in connection with the death of Marleigh Guevara.

Webster Police responded to the area of School Street in Webster on April 11th for a report of a pedestrian crash. Emergency aid was rendered and Marleigh was transported to UMass Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased the following day.

According to Webster Fire and Rescue, the collision took place at School and Fourth Streets just before 1:00 p.m.

Plitouke had been arrested just a week prior.

According to Dudley Police, on Friday, April 3rd at 9:35 p.m., officers found Plitouke asleep behind the wheel of a Buick Regal stopped in the middle of Center Road near Nichols College. A K9 search of the vehicle uncovered suspected crack cocaine and heroin/fentanyl. Plitouke was arrested and charged with OUI-Drugs, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Class A Drugs, and Possession of Class B Drugs.

A GoFundMe fundraiser created by the deceased’s mother states that “Marleigh was everything. She had the kind of light that you don’t come across often, the kind that made people feel safe, happy, and loved just by being near her. Her laugh was contagious, her heart was pure, and her presence made this world a better place. To know her was to truly love her.

“She wasn’t just my daughter… she was a sister to four beautiful girls who now have to grow up without her. They are heartbroken, confused, and trying to understand something that doesn’t make sense. There is now an emptiness in our home that can never be filled. A silence that is too loud. A piece of our hearts that is gone forever.”

“I am shattered in a way I didn’t know was possible. No parent should ever have to bury their child. No mother should have to say goodbye to her baby.

“We are asking for help to lay Marleigh to rest and to get through these days that feel impossible to face. Any support, whether it’s a donation, a share, or a prayer, means more to us than words can ever express.

“Please help us honor my daughter’s life. Please help keep her memory alive. And please, remember tomorrow is never promised.”

According to WCVB, concerning the fatal crash, police revealed that video speed analysis from surveillance footage from a business 0.2 miles prior to the crash showed that the vehicle was traveling 65 miles per hour in the 30-mph zone.

The Webster Police Department, the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, and Mass. State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office continue to actively investigate the incident. No further information was released.