Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

A Norwell teen is facing criminal charges that he intentionally drove his van through a group of teenagers, Channel 7 News reported.

Nathan Delaplain-Zook, 18, faces a dozen criminal charges, including attempted murder and leaving the scene of an accident, according to authorities. His attorney asked for a mental health evaluation before an arraignment took place in Hingham District Court. It will be critical that a skilled Massachusetts criminal defense attorney be retained to represent this young man. Now an adult, and facing very serious felony criminal charges, a veteran attorney will need to thoroughly investigate this case to determine the circumstances of the accident.

A forensic psychologist reportedly told the court that Delaplain-Zook has been hospitalized three times for mental illness. The Boston Herald reported that he pleaded not guilty to four counts each of attempted murder, leaving the scene, assault with a dangerous weapon and operating to endanger. A dangerousness hearing is scheduled for May 10 to determine whether he can be granted bail.

Authorities report the incident happened Monday in a Rockland condo parking lot in front of dozens of witnesses, who had gathered to see a fight over a girl. Police report that Delaplain-Zook exchanged words with someone in the lot and a lighter was thrown at his vehicle.

At that point, the van allegedly turned around and drove straight into the group of bystanders, injuring three girls and a boy. The van drove up over a five-foot gravel embankment and left skid marks as it fled the scene. The defendant was later located and arrested.

Several of the victims were dragged by the van and two of the girls are in serious condition at a Boston hospital with hip, pelvic and internal injuries.