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Manchester man found guilty in crash that claimed the life of a baby headed to prison

Manchester man found guilty in crash that claimed the life of a baby headed to prison

FILE - A gavel rests on the bench inside a courtroom. On Thursday, April 4, 2024, the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin association representing attorneys, agreed to change the definition of “diversity” to settle a federal lawsuit brought by a conservative law firm that argued its internship program unconstitutionally discriminates based on race. Photo: Associated Press/AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File


MANCHESTER.N.H.- The local man charged with the crash which killed an 11-month-old baby last year has pleaded guilty and is headed to prison for at least 20 years.

On Wednesday Justin LaClair, 24, appeared before a judge and plead guilty to manslaughter, aggravated driving under the influence, reckless conduct and first-degree assault for his role in the June 2025 crash at the intersection of Lake Ave and Belmont St which ultimately claimed the life of Rebecca Cole.

During the proceedings the judge ended up agreeing with the prosecutors’ recommendation that LaClair spend at least 20 years in prison.

Police say LaClair drove through the intersection in excess of 70 mph and hit the 11-month-old and her family while they were walking. Authorities say the child was then taken to a hospital where she died a few days later, the same day of her first birthday.

Authorities also note her sister was also injured and suffered several broken bones.

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