On January 1, 2022, Aramis Segura, a 33-year-old man from Charlestown, pleaded no contest to charges of driving to endanger resulting in the death of 17-year-old Olivia Passaretti, a seemingly tragic accident that shocked the local community. The incident occurred on Interstate 95 south, where Segura’s reckless actions sent Passaretti’s vehicle careening down an embankment, leading to her untimely death. A promising student and athlete at East Greenwich High School, Passaretti was pronounced dead at the scene, not far from her family’s home. Following the fatal crash, Segura was apprehended and has been held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions; his sentencing is set to take place on January 17 before Superior Court Judge Luis M. Matos.
Further complicating the case, Segura’s girlfriend, Alicia Peckham, was convicted in August for her role in the events surrounding the accident. She was found guilty of leaving the scene of the accident with resulting death, alongside charges including aiding and abetting by concealing Segura’s whereabouts. At the scene, Peckham allegedly lied to law enforcement officers and assisted Segura in evading justice. Peckham’s sentencing is scheduled for November 15, and she currently remains free on a $20,000 surety bail. The involvement of both individuals in this tragic incident depicts a clear narrative of recklessness and subsequent attempts to evade accountability.
The impact of the crash was severe, with authorities stating that Segura was driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph when his Mercedes struck Passaretti’s Nissan. The violent collision sent her car crashing down an embankment, hitting a tree before flipping over. Witness accounts and police investigations indicate that Segura fled the scene on foot immediately after the crash, managing to run about eight miles to reach East Greenwich, where he contacted Peckham on a borrowed phone. This decision reflects a detachment from responsibility, indicative of his mindset after the tragic event.
Authorities later tracked Segura down to his residence on Old Post Road, where he was discovered hiding under a bed, despite Peckham’s earlier claims to investigators that she had not seen him for two weeks. These misleading statements and attempts to shield Segura from law enforcement showcase a deliberate effort to obstruct the investigation, raising questions about Peckham’s moral judgement and complicity in the crime. The prosecution’s strong stance against both Segura and Peckham emphasizes the community’s demand for justice for Passaretti and her grieving family.
The case has resonated deeply within the Warwick community, as Passaretti was a beloved member of her school and local sports teams. The emotional turmoil and loss felt by her family and peers are evident, as they have sought resolution in the face of such a devastating event. Olivia’s portrait hanging in her family’s home serves as a haunting reminder of the vibrant life that was cut short due to reckless driving and subsequent evasion of justice. The community’s mourning of her death underscores the importance of road safety and the real consequences that result from negligent behavior.
As the legal proceedings continue, with Segura’s and Peckham’s sentences forthcoming, the focus remains on the need for accountability and ensuring that such tragic incidents do not happen again. The case serves as a wake-up call to society about the dangers of reckless driving, the responsibility of individuals involved, and the impact of their actions on innocent lives. The judicial outcomes in this case will not only determine the fates of Segura and Peckham but will also reflect the community’s stance on justice and the importance of honoring the memory of Olivia Passaretti.
