URI student killed in DUI crash

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - One teen was killed and another charged with drunk driving following an early morning car crash on Route 10 in Cranston Friday.

According to police, 19-year-old Sonny Pham, the driver of a Grand Prix 2007, lost control of his vehicle, struck a guardrail, crossed over the median and went into the northbound lane.

One of the passengers in the car, Erica Rose, 19, of Coventry was hurt and later died from her injuries at Rhode Island Hospital, police said. The other passenger, Valerie Goulet, 19, of Milford, Mass. survived the crash.

Police charged Pham, a student at the University of Rhode Island, with driving under the influence death resulting.

Pham's mother, Helen, said her son and the victim went to URI together.

"I'm really sorry about Erica. I really don't know what happened. I'm sorry. It's really tragic," she said.

During Pham's arraignment at Kent County District Court, the judge set bail at $15,000 with surety, which his family posted. The judge also ordered Pham, who will be subject to alcohol screenings and substance abuse assessment, not to consume alcohol.

Prosecutors said Pham blew a .11 during a breathalyzer test on scene, and then a .091 and .092 back at the police station. The legal limit in Rhode Island is .08.

Pham's lawyer, John Bevilacqua, said his client had no previous criminal record and that, "there is no indication that it was drinking that caused the accident."