New Bedford Man Charged in Deadly 2021 Motorcycle Crash

NEW BEDFORD — A New Bedford motorcyclist involved in a fatal crash on Acushnet Avenue in 2021 is being charged with motor vehicle homicide and operating under the influence of alcohol.

Acushnet Avenue resident William Botelho, 30, was arraigned Wednesday on the charges, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office confirmed.

Botelho was driving the motorcycle in the crash that killed his passenger, 24-year-old Krystal Geraldo, in June 2021.

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A state police report obtained by WBSM notes that the charges come more than a year after the deadly crash, due to a long investigation involving interviews with multiple witnesses, and medical and crash reconstruction reports.

The police report alleges that Botelho visited multiple establishments — including a pub in Connecticut, a yacht club in East Providence, and Knuckle Heads Bar and Grill in New Bedford — the day of the crash, on Sunday, June 6, 2021.

According to the report, Botelho lost control of the motorcycle at the turn near Quick Stop Convenience Store on Acushnet Avenue in the North End at around 8:20 that evening.

His blood alcohol concentration at the time was allegedly over the legal limit, according to the report, which cited forensic evidence from the state police crime lab.

Both Botelho and Geraldo were wearing helmets, and both were injured in the crash.

Botelho was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, while Geraldo was rushed to St. Luke's Hospital with life-threatening injuries before she passed away.

Geraldo was from Bristol, Rhode Island and worked as a CNA in elderly home care.

Following his arraignment today, the D.A.'s office said Botelho is expected back in court on March 6 for a pretrial conference.