WEBSTER, MA — A 10-year-old girl has died after being struck by a vehicle in Webster, and a Southbridge woman now faces homicide and driving-related charges following her arraignment in Dudley District Court, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. announced.
Sherry Plitouke, 35, was ordered held on $25,000 bail after prosecutors charged her with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding in a special regulation zone.
Charges follow child’s death after crash
The case centers on the death of Marleigh Guevara, a 10-year-old pedestrian who suffered fatal injuries after the crash on School Street.
According to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, Webster Police responded to the area on April 11, 2026, after receiving a report of a pedestrian being struck. First responders provided emergency aid at the scene before transporting the child to UMass Memorial Hospital.
Marleigh was pronounced dead the following day, officials said.
Plitouke’s arraignment marks the first formal charges tied to the crash, bringing legal consequences to an incident that has shaken the local community.
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Key Points
• 35-year-old Sherry Plitouke charged with motor vehicle homicide in Webster crash
• 10-year-old Marleigh Guevara died after being struck on School Street
• Defendant held on $25,000 bail following Dudley District Court arraignment
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Investigation spans multiple agencies
The investigation into the crash remains active, involving several law enforcement agencies across the region.
The Webster Police Department is leading the case, with assistance from the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (CEMLEC) and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision, including factors such as road conditions, visibility, or the movements of those involved. Prosecutors also have not indicated whether further charges could be filed as the investigation develops.
The inclusion of a speeding charge in a special regulation zone suggests the crash occurred in an area with specific traffic restrictions, though authorities have not publicly defined the zone or its conditions.
Community impact and legal process ahead
The death of a child in a roadway incident often intensifies scrutiny around driver behavior, traffic enforcement, and pedestrian safety, particularly in residential or school-adjacent areas. While officials have not released broader safety assessments tied to this crash, the charges signal that investigators believe driver conduct played a role.
Plitouke’s case will proceed through the court system, where prosecutors must establish that her alleged negligent operation directly caused the fatal outcome. The charge of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation in Massachusetts does not require proof of intent but hinges on whether the driver failed to exercise reasonable care.
As the case moves forward, additional evidence, including crash reconstruction findings or witness accounts, may become part of court proceedings.
Ongoing case status
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.
Plitouke remains held on bail as the case proceeds in Dudley District Court.
