Overview

• On May 24, James Blanchard’s pickup truck struck the Patel family’s sedan as they drove to a birthday celebration, killing 5-year-old Krisha Patel and injuring other family members.
• Authorities added the second homicide charge on June 24 after Minaben Patel, 38, succumbed to her injuries nearly a month after the collision.
• A breathalyzer test registered Blanchard’s blood alcohol level at .19, and officers discovered two 1.75-liter handles of vodka and beers in his vehicle.
• Blanchard was ordered held on $250,000 cash bail and prohibited from driving or consuming alcohol pending trial.
• He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is slated for arraignment on July 30 in Wrentham District Court.