Driver Convicted in Child’s 2013 Death

BOSTON, December 20, 2019 — The woman who killed 7-year-old Brianna Rosales while driving drunk six years ago was found guilty today of Manslaughter OUI, Motor Vehicle Homicide, OUI Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault and Battery Dangerous Weapon in the girl’s death, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.

A Suffolk Superior Court jury today convicted OLIVIA MORA, 42, in the November 26, 2013, crash that killed young Brianna and seriously injured her mother.

During the course of the two week trial, Second Assistant District Attorney Masai King presented evidence and testimony to prove that the defendant was intoxicated while driving a Chevy Tahoe SUV in Dorchester at approximately 2:00 p.m. on the day of the fatal crash.  The evidence proved that the defendant was operating on Geneva Avenue toward Bowdoin Street in the wrong lane in order to pass a T bus.  She was driving above the posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour when she took a left turn onto Olney Street.  She was aware there was a school in the area, but was traveling in excess of 53 miles per hour, when she struck a parked vehicle with enough force to push the parked car six feet forward.  The defendant then struck a fire hydrant and continued onto the sidewalk where Brianna and her mother were walking.

Brianna was transported to Boston Medical Center, where she died of her injuries. Her mother suffered critical injuries including a shattered left femur and spent months recovering at a hospital.

After the crash, the defendant failed a series of field sobriety tests.  A subsequent blood test showed that the defendant’s blood alcohol content at the time of the crash was well above the legal limit when she struck the victims.

“Brianna has been gone for nearly as long as she was on this Earth, and the pain of her loss doesn’t lessen with time.  Each family gathering without her present and every milestone that she should have reached as she grew up, is a new source of pain for her loved ones,” District Attorney Rollins said.  “Her life – and its tragic loss – is as important as any other in Suffolk County and attention to her must be paid. While this verdict cannot heal her family’s deep pain, I hope that the knowledge that the person responsible for Brianna’s death is being held accountable brings some peace.  My Office will continue to provide any support and assistance this family may need.”

Erin O’Connor is the victim witness advocate assigned to the case.  The defendant is represented by attorney William Roa.  Sentencing before Judge Ames will take place in courtroom 815 of Suffolk Superior Court on January 6.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.