Harwinton man charged in 2023 death of Burlington teen

BURLINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — A 19-year-old man from Harwinton has been charged in the May 2023 death of a 17-year-old girl who allegedly fell out of a moving pickup truck in Burlington, state police said.

Troopers responded to Fieldview Drive on May 21, 2023, after Bristol police called them about a teenager who was brought to a local hospital by family members.

State police said a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, driven by Cooper Oullette, was driving when the front passenger, Sophie Ringquist, fell out of the truck while it was moving.

Authorities said Ringquist was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by blunt impact injuries to her torso.

State police called the circumstances “a domestic violence crime.” Investigators submitted a warrant for Oullette’s arrest, which was granted on July 11 by New Britain Superior Court.

Oullette turned himself in on July 12 and was charged with first-degree manslaughter and delivery of alcohol to a minor.

He was released on a $50,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday at New Britain Superior Court.

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