Franklin Man Charged With Vehicle Homicide After Child Death, Injuries

James N. Blanchard, 21, of Franklin, Massachusetts, was arraigned and held on $250,000 to $500,000 cash bail following a drunk driving crash that killed a 5-year-old girl and seriously injured her mother and brother. The crash occurred on Grove Street when Blanchard, driving a pickup truck under the influence of alcohol with a breathalyzer result about twice the legal limit, collided with a sedan carrying the family. The girl's father, who was driving the sedan, was treated and released from the hospital. Blanchard faces multiple charges including motor vehicle homicide while driving negligently and under the influence, three counts of operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating with an open container, and marked lanes violation. His attorney expressed remorse on his behalf, stating that Blanchard's thoughts and prayers are with the family. The arraignment took place in Wrentham District Court, and the case remains under investigation.