Now former Massachusetts State Police Trooper indicted in crash that killed 51-year-old Christopher Zike

BOSTON — A now former Massachusetts State Police Trooper has been indicted for motor vehicle homicide in the 2021 crash that claimed the life of 51-year-old Christopher Zike, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

A Suffolk County grand jury late last week returned an indictment charging Kristopher Carr, 26, of Monson with motor vehicle homicide by operating under the influence of alcohol.

Prosecutors allege that Carr, then an off-duty, probationary member of the Massachusetts State Police, was under the influence of alcohol in the early morning hours of October 29 as he drove a 2020 Ford Explorer on Interstate 93 South in Boston. While driving in the far-left travel lane, he leaned over to kiss a woman who was in the front passenger seat. As he did so, he caused the truck to swerve and strike the median barrier. The SUV sustained damage to the front driver’s side and its airbags deployed as a result of the crash. It came to a stop perpendicular to the median, prosecutors said.

While the SUV was stopped on the roadway, a motorcycle operated by Zike struck the vehicle. Zike was thrown from the motorcycle, suffering injuries that resulted in his death at Boston Medical Center.

Carr and his passenger were both transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the initial crash. There, detectives interacting with him noted that he had glassy eyes and spoke with a thick tongue.

“As a member of law enforcement, Kristopher Carr had first-hand knowledge of the consequences that can result from driving drunk. That he chose to ignore those consequences cost Christopher Zike his life. My office is available to Mr. Zike’s loved ones – and all survivors of motor vehicle homicide – to ensure that they have the support and resources they need,” Hayden said.

Carr has been summoned to appear for arraignment in Suffolk Superior Court on October 4.