Officer Charged With Negligent Homicide May Avoid Jury Trial

MANCHESTER, NH — Former Londonderry Police Officer Tyler Berry was scheduled to have jury selection begin on April 6 but instead, it appears, the case will be headed for a settlement conference.

Berry, 28, who also served on the Bedford police force before joining the Londonderry department, faces felony offenses that include manslaughter, negligent homicide, reckless conduct, aggravated DWI stemming from the fatal crash a year ago on Route 101 in Amherst.

According to Superior Court documents obtained there will be a settlement conference which will begin on June 19, 2020. The conference is scheduled with Judge David Garfunkel, a retired Superior Court judge.

During a settlement conference, the state prosecutor, Berry, and his lawyer will meet with the judge. The information about the case will be presented to the judge. The judge will meet separately with the state and the defense and allow them to present their positions.

The judge will act as a mediator bringing information back and forth between both sides. If the sides can not reach an agreement the case will be returned to the court for a trial.

Berry is accused of drunken driving and causing the nearly head-on crash that killed 21-year-old Manchester resident Sierra Croteau. It is unclear if Croteau’s family will be able to attend any of the sessions. They have been in court for previous hearings.

Berry, when arrested, was a resident of Amherst. Since the initial arrest he has filed a address change listing him as living in New Durham.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news