Woman accused of killing DOT employee faces trial – NBC Connecticut

The woman accused of beating and killing 26-year-old Andrew DiDomenico, a state Department of Transportation employee, in Wallingford on Friday was arraigned in Meriden on Monday morning.

“We are very proud of him in his short 26 years. He was a remarkable human being,” said Melissa Lombardi, Andrew DiDomenico’s aunt, outside the courtroom after the arraignment.

She was accompanied by the family of Andrew, who was killed at work on Friday. The family is demanding justice.

“We lost our nephew and want her prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Lombardi said.

Lombardi described Andrew as a passionate and caring friend and family member, and also an avid sports fan of the Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and New York Yankees.

Born and raised in Meriden, he inherited his work ethic from his father and worked for the City of Meriden before taking a job with the Department of Transportation, where he served faithfully for two and a half years.

“He was traveling with all his cousins ​​and the state called and said, ‘Hey Andrew, we could use you for some overtime,’ and he left the family and went to work,” Lombardi said.

On Friday, shortly after 9 a.m., he was struck and killed while picking up trash on an Interstate 91 ramp in Wallingford.

According to police, 55-year-old Denise Lucibello drove into the grass while under the influence of alcohol and hit DiDomenico. She faces the following charges, among others:

• Unauthorized driving of a motor vehicle despite having a revoked driving license
• Unauthorized driving of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Failure to drive in the correct lane
• Failure to slow down/swallow – no emergency vehicle
• Misconduct with a motor vehicle

“My client is remorseful. She did not leave the scene, she understands the seriousness of the situation and she will certainly appear in court again,” Lucibello’s lawyer said at her arraignment and argued for a $1 million bail reduction.

Her lawyer acknowledged a prior criminal history, as well as substance abuse and mental health issues. Her bail was reduced to $500,000 on the condition that she not drive a motor vehicle.

However, the family is frustrated that she was even behind the wheel.

“She should never have had the chance to get behind the wheel,” Lombardi said.

According to court documents, she is also accused of driving without a license.

The DiDomenico family and their attorneys expect additional charges to be filed in the case, but are still awaiting the results of the toxicology test.

They first thank the public for their great support, but call on everyone to act more environmentally friendly on the roads.

“Work zones. He’s a Connecticut state employee and he’s doing his job. People need to step aside and give him the space he needs to do his job,” Lombardi said.

Lucibello is due to appear in court again on August 23.