Fatal Crash Suspect Held Without Bail

A Massachusetts man authorities say caused a fatal crash and then disappeared until he was tracked to Rhode Island several days later was arraigned Tuesday in New Bedford District Court.

James Bennett-Werra, also known as Janaya Bennett-Werra, was ordered held without bail, and a pre-trial hearing was set for May 22.

The court also recommended that Bennett-Werra be held at the South Bay Correctional facility in Boston, where a transgender unit is located.

Police say Bennett-Werra was the driver of a car that ran a stop sign in New Bedford last Wednesday, striking a second vehicle and killing the operator, 68-year old Janet Murphy.

Bennett-Werra fled the scene but was apprehended last Saturday in Pawtucket.

He waived rendition Monday in Rhode Island and appeared in District Court Tuesday morning.

Bennett-Werra faces charges of vehicular homicide and manslaughter.