A St. Albans man was charged yesterday with furnishing alcohol to a minor, death resulting, following an underage drinking party and crash in Franklin County in the early morning of June 18.
The Vermont State Police today announced it has completed its criminal investigation into the events that took place prior to the motor vehicle crash which occurred on Water Tower Road in the Town of Berkshire that claimed the life of Carson Smith, 16, of Berkshire.
Police say Carson Smith along with several other juveniles attended an underage drinking party on Berry Road in the town of Richford. Witness statements and video footage has shown Jon Schurger, 22, of St. Albans bought the alcohol for the party from a store in Enosburgh and was aided by Dylon Smith, 22, of Enosburg (no relation to Carson Smith), who was also present.
The party later continued at the River Walk in Montgomery. Evidence from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has shown that Carson Smith was intoxicated and may have been impaired by a substance other than alcohol.
Alcohol, drugs and speed are all believed to be contributing factors in this single-car crash on Water Tower Road in Berkshire. Smith, the lone occupant of the Toyota Tundra, was traveling north on Water Tower and was navigating a slight hilltop. After cresting the hilltop he began losing control and attempted to correct the steering input, but instead overcorrected. As a result of this, the vehicle began traveling nearly broadside, departed the roadway and overturned several times. While overturning, Smith was ejected.
Schurger and Smith were taken into custody on Thursday, Aug. 3, and transported to the St. Albans Field Station for processing. Schurger is being charged with “Sale or furnishing to minors; enabling consumption by minors causing death or serious bodily injury.” Smith received a citation for “Accessory aiding in the commission of a felony.” Their arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 2.