Maine Woman Charged in Deadly Crash Killing Four Students Agrees to New Plea Deal

Background of the drunk driving Incident

The case traces back to a fatal crash that occurred on Shore Road in Castine in the fall of 2023. Tavares was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Joshua Goncalves-Radding, who was under 21 and allegedly intoxicated. Tragically, the crash claimed the lives of four college students: Brian Kenealy (20) of York, ME; Chase Fossett (21) of Gardiner, ME; Luke Simpson (22) of Rockport, MA; and Riley Ignacio-Cameron (20) of Aquinnah, MA.

According to prosecutors, Joshua Goncalves-Radding was driving over 100 miles per hour when he lost control of the vehicle. The car went airborne, struck a tree, and burst into flames. It was later revealed that Joshua Goncalves-Radding had both alcohol and marijuana in his system at the time of the accident.

Original Charges Against Tavares

Initially, Tavares faced several serious charges which included manslaughter, aggravated operating under the influence, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, driving to endanger, and reckless speeding, even though she was not driving the vehicle.

Prosecutors accused her of being an “accomplice or co-conspirator,” primarily due to her involvement in purchasing alcohol consumed by Joshua Goncalves-Radding that night. This involvement opened her up to felony charges, as the tragedy unfolded partly due to impaired driving.

The Plea Agreement

On a Friday morning in the Hancock County Courthouse, Tavares entered a new plea agreement. She pleaded guilty to one count of furnishing liquor to a minor—a lesser charge compared to the original counts she faced. This plea deal meant that all other charges, including the manslaughter charges, were dropped.

Tavares’ attorney, William Bly, expressed relief at the outcome, noting that, “Out of 14 counts, she’ll have a single, Class D misdemeanor on her record.” While the conviction will result in a criminal record, the more severe felony charges have been removed, allowing Tavares a chance to rebuild her life with fewer long-term repercussions.

Conditions of Tavares’Plea Deal

As part of the plea agreement, Tavares’ sentencing has been deferred for two years, providing her an opportunity to meet specific conditions to avoid more severe penalties. One key condition is that Tavares must speak to incoming Maine Maritime Academy students about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.

Attorney William Bly emphasized the importance of this educational component, saying, “There needs to be some kind of learning from this. Kids just don’t understand the consequences of driving under the influence.”

If Tavares successfully meets the conditions of her deferment period, her final sentence will be significantly reduced to a $500 fine. However, if she fails to comply, she could face up to five years in prison.

The Driver’s Sentence

In a separate ruling, Joshua Goncalves-Radding, who was driving at the time of the crash, received a sentence of three years in prison for his involvement. His impaired state and reckless driving directly contributed to the deaths of the four young students, and his sentence reflects the gravity of his actions.

A New Path Forward

Tavares’ next scheduled court appearance is set for November 17, 2026, when the court will review her compliance with the conditions of her plea deal. For now, she has an opportunity to avoid further imprisonment by using her experience to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Final Thoughts

This case is a somber reminder of the tragic consequences of impaired and reckless driving. William Bly’s skillful representation allowed Tavares to avoid a life-altering felony conviction and instead focus on rehabilitation and community education. While no legal outcome can undo the loss of life in this tragic accident, the plea deal provides a pathway toward redemption and healing.