Drunk Driver Faces Charges In 2 Deaths

Waterford (WTNH) - A crash involving an accused drunk driver leaves two young people dead. As the driver appeared in court, the families of the victims spoke of their pain.

Security and emotions were high as 27-year-old Joseph Donohue was brought into court. He's accused of driving his Dodge Dakota pick up drunk early Sunday morning when it collided with a blue Scion on Route 32 in Waterford. Salem Musician, 23-year-old Joshua Lecce and Waterford mother, 21-year-old Danielle Nicholson, were killed.

"He didn't look like he was hurting at all," Caroline Goudenzi, cousin of a victim, said. "He could have looked at us and said sorry or something and that's what hurts."

Anguish and anger were amplified when relatives of Nicholson, who wore red ribbons in honor of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, learned Donohue has a prior DUI conviction.

"She was a wonderful girl. A good mother; the best," said Nicholson's grandmother. "Now this baby has no mother."

"He's not realizing what's going on right now but I'm sure he's walking around saying mommy, mommy," said Gaudenzi of Nicholson's child.

A police report indicates Donohue had an alcohol level more than two times the legal limit and after the accident he threatened to kill himself if the girl died.

The officer said, "When I asked Donohue how much he had to drink, he responded, 'It doesn't (expletive) matter. I killed that girl.'" He's now on a suicide watch. His family left escorted by court officers and expressed their devastation through his attorney.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of Joshua and Danielle. Words cannot express our sorrow over their loss in this tragic incident," said Ron Steven's, Donohue's attorney.

Emotions were not only running high among family members but court personnel seemed to be affected as well.

The normal pleasantries often exchanged fell silent today.

"No one felt like smiling because there's nothing to smile about," said Donohue.

At this point, Donohue faces a single DUI charge but his $500,000 bond reflects the two manslaughter charges which are expected to be filed after the investigation is complete.