Driver Charged in Ellington Crash That Killed 16-Year-Old

This article looks at the arrest of 21-year-old Sergei Moscardelli of Mansfield after a deadly crash in Ellington back in November 2024. We’ll break down what police say happened on Sandy Beach Road, the criminal charges Moscardelli now faces, and why this case has people worried—again—about underage drinking and reckless driving in Connecticut.

Ellington Crash Claims Life of Stafford Teen

The crash that led to Moscardelli’s arrest happened in Ellington, a quiet Connecticut town with plenty of winding roads and unpredictable driving conditions. On the evening of November 25, 2024, just before 8 p.m., state police say Moscardelli drove with two passengers in his car.

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Investigators say the car traveled along Sandy Beach Road when Moscardelli lost control. The vehicle left the road and slammed into a tree, hitting hard enough to catch fire.

Moscardelli and his front-seat passenger got out. But 16-year-old James Moran of Stafford, riding in the back, was trapped and died at the scene.

Conditions at the Time of the Collision

The crash happened on a local road where speed and low visibility are constant problems, especially after dark. Police and first responders in towns from Vernon to Willimantic know this risk all too well.

Investigation Finds Speeding and Underage Drinking

After the crash, state police launched a yearlong investigation. They reconstructed the accident, analyzed how the car moved, and checked Moscardelli’s blood alcohol content (BAC).

Investigators found Moscardelli drove about 55 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone. That 20-mph difference on a local road—not a highway—stood out in their findings.

Police in Manchester, Enfield, and across Tolland County often warn that even a small jump in speed can make injuries much worse.

Underage BAC Over the Legal Limit

Police report Moscardelli’s BAC came back at .07%. That’s below the .08% limit for adults, but Connecticut law is way stricter for drivers under 21.

For anyone under 21, the legal limit is just .02%. Moscardelli was 20 at the time, so .07% is more than triple the legal limit for him. That, plus the speeding, became the backbone of the criminal case.

Serious Criminal Charges Filed

After the lengthy investigation, Moscardelli, now 21 and still living in Mansfield, faced formal charges. He turned himself in to state police after they issued an arrest warrant.

The charges are some of the most serious Connecticut hands out for car crashes. They include:

Second-degree manslaughter – for reckless behavior that led to someone’s death.

Second-degree assault with a motor vehicle – for injuries caused in the crash.

Operating under the influence (OUI) – based on the underage BAC of .07%.

Traveling unreasonably fast – for driving 55 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Failure to drive in the proper lane – for losing control and hitting the tree.

Bond and Upcoming Court Date

After he surrendered, Moscardelli posted a $50,000 bond. That lets him stay in the community while the case moves forward—pretty typical for serious car cases in Connecticut, from Hartford to New Haven.

He’s due in court on December 23. At that hearing, the process continues with arguments over evidence, new court dates, and maybe plea talks. Like everyone charged with a crime, Moscardelli is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Broader Concerns: Underage Drinking and Reckless Driving

The Ellington crash and the charges against Moscardelli have people talking again about young drivers, alcohol, and speed on local roads. Communities all over Connecticut, from Norwich to Danbury, struggle with how to stop deadly crashes involving drivers under 21.

Officials and safety advocates point out that even a little alcohol can mess with judgment, especially for inexperienced drivers going too fast. In rural and suburban towns—from Tolland County to the shoreline near New London and Milford—narrow roads, sharp curves, and poor lighting just make things riskier.

Community Impact and Ongoing Conversation

James Moran’s death hit residents of Stafford and nearby towns hard. For families, schools, and local leaders from West Hartford to Glastonbury, it’s a jarring reminder—an evening drive can flip everything upside down in seconds.

With the court case still unfolding, people are talking more about teen safety, underage drinking, and what it really means to drive responsibly. Law enforcement and community groups keep urging parents, guardians, and young drivers to see speed limits, seat belts, and alcohol laws as serious boundaries, not just suggestions.

Here is the source article for this story: Driver charged in November 2024 crash that killed 16-year-old in Ellington

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