Teen Charged With Negligent Homicide in 2012 Fatal Crash in Ellington

Written by Ted Glanzer

An 18-year-old South Windsor man has been charged with negligent homicide for his alleged involvement in a May 2012 motor vehicle accident in Ellington that took the life of a 61-year-old Enfield man, the Journal Inquirer reported Monday.

According to a JI article, Andrew Kebalo of 47 Deming St. was charged by state police, who did not directly identify Kebalo as he was 17 at the time of the accident, which claimed the life of Robert Kegler. Kegler was riding his motorcycle on Maple Street in Ellington when he was involved in the three-vehicle accident.

State law provides that 17-year-olds are presumed to be eligible for youthful offender status in the judicial system, the JI reported. But state judicial records reveal that Kebalo, who is now 18, was charged on May 7 with negligent homicide and failure to yield to the right of way.

The accident, which took place on May 21, involved three vehicles.

Ellington-Somers Patch provided this account:

A van being driven by a 23-year-old Enfield woman was traveling westbound on Maple Street, approaching the intersection with Tomoka Avenue and Jobs Hill Road. A pickup truck being driven by Kebola was also on Maple Street, directly in front of the van.

The driver of the truck entered the intersection and attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Tomoka Avenue. Kegler’s motorcycle then collided with the right side of the truck. Kegler was ejected from the motorcycle and landed in the roadway. He was then treated by and transported to St. Francis hospital via Life Star.

This article contains reporting and writing from Erin Quinlan of Ellington-Somers Patch.