Hearing Tuesday for driver accused in fatal double motorcycle accident

A hearing in the case of a Goffstown driver accused of negligent homicide in the deaths of three motorcyclists is scheduled for Tuesday morning in Superior Court.

Anthony J. Summers, 32, is facing three felony charges of negligent homicide while drunk driving; three felony charges of negligent homicide; and a felony charge of falsifying evidence after refusing a blood draw.

Summers was indicted on Dec. 19, and appeared in court on Jan. 6, with attorney Alex Yiokarinis, and requested bail. Judge Elizabeth Leonard granted the request, and placed Summers on house arrest.

An indictment is not an indication of guilt. Rather, it is a finding by a Grand Jury that enough evidence of an alleged crime exists to warrant bringing a case to trial.

Summers is accused of hitting two motorcycles when he allegedly crossed into oncoming traffic on Lake Shore Road, also known as Route 11, in Gilford, near Country Village Way, on Sept. 20.

Scott Blomerth was operating one motorcycle, with his wife Robyn on the back. The couple, who were Alton residents and owners of Spring Haven Campground, both died at the scene. The second motorcycle was operated by Timothy “TJ” Sullivan, who was hospitalized and later died from his injuries on Oct. 5.

Summers originally appeared in Laconia District Court on two charges of negligent homicide, and falsifying evidence, before his case was elevated to Superior Court on Oct. 1. About 75 people were at the court for his initial hearing, both supporters of the victims, as well as for Summers.

Summers was being held at the Belknap County House of Corrections until Jan. 21, when he was released and placed on house arrest.

Leonard wrote in her order Summers stated immediately after the accident he was looking at his passenger, and looked back at the road as the collision occurred.

“According to the parties, the defendant did not exhibit signs of impairment at the scene of the accident except for bloodshot eyes which may have been caused by the deployment of the air bags in the defendant’s vehicle,” Leonard wrote.

She also wrote Summers refused the blood draw, which led to a warrant to obtain one. Summers had a blood alcohol content below the legal limit, at 0.027, and he tested positive for drugs. Leonard also noted the motorcycle operator believed to be struck first had a BAC over the legal limit.

County Attorney Keith Cormier said during the bail hearing that Summers was tested about six hours after the accident occurred.

Leonard referenced a state law that says a defendant should be released on a promise to return to court, or cash bail, unless cause is found the release would not “reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required or will endanger the safety of the person or of any other person or the community.”

“Having considered the information presented at the bail hearing, the court finds that the defendant’s release on personal recognizance bail with strict conditions is appropriate,” Leonard wrote. “In addition to the standard conditions of release on personal recognizance, the court finds that placing the defendant on house arrest is appropriate.”

Summers is ordered to remain at home except when working, or in court, for medical appointments, or meetings with his attorney. He also cannot drive.

Court documents show while awaiting trial, Summers cannot commit a crime, must appear in court, tell the court if he moves, and comply with all civil stalking orders. Summers cannot travel out of state, possess a firearm or dangerous weapon, or use alcohol or narcotic drugs.

Leonard said if Summers fails to comply with bail conditions, the court will “almost certainly” immediately revoke bail, and place him back in jail during the trial.

Yiokarinis declined to comment on the ruling, and Cormier, who is prosecuting the case, did not return a message requesting comment.

The hearing is a dispositional conference, or an opportunity for parties in the case to discuss a settlement agreement before trial.

Friends of the accident victims expressed sadness, anger and disbelief after the bail ruling.

Michael Lynch said he was “livid beyond words” after the Jan. 21 decision.

Lynch said Thursday he plans to attend the conference, and was upset with how the case is being handled. He said friends and family of the victims have had difficulty getting information from the county attorney’s office, and was upset Summers is out on bail, while his friends are dead.

Lori Tsouprakos called it “despicable,” and an “absolute disgrace."

Christine Algie, Sullivan's girlfriend, said after the bail ruling she was “extremely disappointed in the judicial system as a whole.” She said she was “blown away,” and didn’t expect Summers to be released.

“I feel it is a complete injustice and an insult to the three of them,” she said.

The dispositional conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Belknap Superior Court, in Laconia.