Guaman Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Death of Milford Man

Nicolas Guaman, the man accused of striking and killing Milford resident Matthew Denice with his truck in 2011, was found guilty of manslaughter in Worcester Superior Court on Monday, Boston.com reported. 

Guaman, 37, was found not guilty on second-degree murder charges but was found guilty of manslaughter by motor vehicle and on five other charges in the bench trial that began last Monday, according to WHDH.

Guaman, an Ecuadorian citizen who is in the U.S. illegally, pleaded not guilty last August to charges of operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor, negligent operation, leaving the scene of personal injury and death, possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, failure to stop for police, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop or yield, resisting arrest and wanton or reckless conduct creating risk to a child. Guaman's 6-year-old son was reportedly in his truck at the time of the incident. 

Updates and discussions on the case have been posted frequently to a Facebook page established in Denice's memory titled "Justice for Matt."

The case has also sparked debate in regards to a "Safe Driving Bill" that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. Supporters of Bill H.3285 say it would make drivers safer because illegal immigrants would have to be trained in the rules of the road and pass written and road tests before getting a license. But the bill has sparked widespread opposition, as well, and a Milford resident started an online petition against it.