Former Trooper Indicted in Crash that Killed Motorcyclist

BOSTON, August 18, 2022—A former Massachusetts State Police Trooper has been indicted for motor vehicle homicide in the 2021 crash that claimed the life of 51-year-old Christopher Zike, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

A Suffolk County grand jury yesterday returned an indictment charging KRISTOPHER CARR, 26, of Monson with motor vehicle homicide by operating under the influence of alcohol.

Prosecutors allege that Carr, then an off-duty, probationary member of the Massachusetts State Police, was under the influence of alcohol in the early morning hours of October 29 as he drove a 2020 Ford Explorer on Interstate 93 South in Boston.  While driving in the far left travel lane, he leaned over to kiss a woman who was in the front passenger seat.  As he did so, he caused the truck to swerve and strike the median barrier.  The SUV sustained damage to the front driver’s side and its airbags deployed as a result of the crash.  It came to a stop perpendicular to the median, prosecutors said.

While the SUV was stopped on the roadway, a motorcycle operated by Zike struck the vehicle.  Zike was thrown from the motorcycle, suffering injuries that resulted in his death at Boston Medical Center.

Carr and his passenger were both transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the initial crash.  There, detectives interacting with him noted that he had glassy eyes and spoke with a thick tongue. 

“As a member of law enforcement, Kristopher Carr had first-hand knowledge of the consequences that can result from driving drunk.  That he chose to ignore those consequences cost Christopher Zike his life.  My office is available to Mr. Zike’s loved ones – and all survivors of motor vehicle homicide – to ensure that they have the support and resources they need,” Hayden said.

Assistant District Attorney Madeline Stern led the grand jury proceedings resulting in today’s indictments.  Jillian Rose is the assigned victim witness advocate.  Carr has been summoned to appear for arraignment in Suffolk Superior Court on October 4.  He is represented by attorney Joseph Bernard.

     James Borghesani, Chief of Communications

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 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 legal 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.