Woman Charged in Fatal Barre Crash Appears in Court
BARRE, MA—Faith O'Rourke, 20, appeared in Worcester Superior Court on April 30, 2026, facing multiple charges related to a December 26 crash that claimed two lives.
O'Rourke is accused of driving under the influence when her BMW, reportedly traveling at 93 mph on Route 62, struck a tree, resulting in the deaths of Connor Post, 20, and Michael Publicover, 19. A third passenger was seriously injured in the incident, according to authorities.
Prosecutors reported O'Rourke's blood alcohol content was 0.13%, exceeding the legal limit. She faces 10 charges, including involuntary manslaughter and operating under the influence.
Prosecutors requested a $25,000 cash bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges, which could lead to significant prison time. They also requested restrictions on her release, including home confinement and a prohibition on driving.
O'Rourke's attorney sought her release on personal recognizance, arguing the allegations have yet to be proven.
Judge James Reardon, Jr. set bail at $5,000, with conditions including no driving, no alcohol consumption, random testing, and maintaining distance from victims' families and witnesses.
A memorial marks the site of the fatal crash in Barre.