Southington man charged with manslaughter in fatal car crash

Bristol police arrested and charged a Southington man involved in a two-vehicle crash that left two children dead and four adults injured last December.
According to a press release from the Bristol Police Department, 26-year-old Michael Luponio was legally intoxicated while driving at an excessive speed in the area of Pinebrook Terrace on Dec. 13. When heading northbound on Middle Street with a blood alcohol level of .24 percent, the release said Luponio crossed over the centerline and struck a second vehicle heading southbound. The driver of the second vehicle was 31-year-old Kayla Torres, who lost her daughters in the crash, including seven-year-old Veronica Martinez and four-year-old Yvette Martinez, the release said.
The police investigation also determined that Luponio did not have motor vehicle insurance, the release said. Luponio was charged with two counts of second degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, three counts of second degree assault with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and no insurance. He was held on a $500,000 surety bond and was arraigned at Bristol Superior Court today.