Steven Bourgoin sported a full beard and shaggy haircut as he sat impassively during the 30-minute hearing in Burlington’s Edward J. Costello Courthouse. The 36-year-old Williston man is charged with five counts of second-degree murder for allegedly driving the wrong way on Interstate 89 and slamming his pickup truck head-on into a car full of teenagers.
The last time Bourgoin appeared in public — at his October arraignment — a nurse and police officer helped wheel him into a hospital room-turned-courtroom. The prone defendant, lying on a hospital bed, was still recovering from his injuries and barely conscious as his legal team entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.
Bourgoin appeared Monday because his ex-girlfriend, Anila Lawrence, requested permission from the court to supervise their daughter’s visits to the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield, where Bourgoin is being held without bail. Lawrence currently has a no contact order with Bourgoin because she is a witness in both the murder case and a previous domestic assault case.
“Quite frankly, I don’t think there’s a whole lot to ask of Ms. Lawrence about the murder case,” he added.
Prosecutor Aimee Griffin argued that contact between Lawrence and Bourgoin could interfere with court proceedings.
“Any opening for any tainting of evidence or any conversation about the case would be completely inappropriate in the state’s eyes,” she said. “It’s not as if there’s any way to monitor what is being said.”
Judge James Crucitti asked for in-person testimony from Lawrence before amending the no contact order. He continued the hearing until May 19.
A trial is expected in February 2018, according to Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George.
Killed in the crash were high school students Liam Hale and Janie Cozzi of Fayston; Mary Harris and Cyrus Zschau of Moretown; and Eli Brookens of Waterbury.
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Nothing but sympathy for the 3 year old daughter . Contempt for her parents .
The families of his victims will never see their loved ones again and neither should he. The daughter would be better off if this scumbag pulled a Hernandez and rotted in hell.
Here’s a question..what about the families of the 5 teenagers, will they be able to see their children..?? Why does the EX feel uncomfortable about having a grandparent or other relatives supervise the daughter’s visits. ?? Why her? Wanting to go over (talk) about the case? Prosecutor Aimee Griffin is right that contact between Lawrence and Bourgoin could interfere with court proceedings. Was he even involved with the child or just when he felt like playing Daddy?