Police have charged a 17-year-old with texting while driving at the time of a crash that killed a 77-year-old in Newburyport, officials said. Richard Barbieri was struck by a car while he crossed State Street around 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, the Newburyport Police Department said. He was taken to a local hospital but died of his injuries. The teenager, who is not being identified because of his age, is accused of using his cellphone while driving. He is being charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, texting and being negligent causing injury to another, operator under age of 18 use of mobile phone and texting while driving. Police said the case will be heard in Essex County Juvenile Court in Newburyport.

Police have charged a 17-year-old with texting while driving at the time of a crash that killed a 77-year-old in Newburyport, officials said.

Richard Barbieri was struck by a car while he crossed State Street around 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, the Newburyport Police Department said. He was taken to a local hospital but died of his injuries.


The teenager, who is not being identified because of his age, is accused of using his cellphone while driving. He is being charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, texting and being negligent causing injury to another, operator under age of 18 use of mobile phone and texting while driving.

Police said the case will be heard in Essex County Juvenile Court in Newburyport.