10-Year-Old Killed In Car Crash After Man Steals Jeep Parked At Kenny Chesney Concert
on Aug 28, 2024
A 10-year-old boy tragically died in a crash near Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts after a Kenny Chesney concert on Saturday night (August 24).
The Wrentham District Court reported in a news release that Michael Escolas, 42, stole a Jeep Cherokee from the parking lot at the stadium and proceeded to operate the vehicle while intoxicated. According to Prosecutor Adam Lally, Escolas was able to start the vehicle and drive away because a key fob was discovered within a handbag left inside the Jeep, which belonged to a couple who was also attending the Kenny Chesney concert.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., the Jeep, which Escolas was allegedly driving at 50 mph, collided with a Nissan Altima carrying a family of six, which was stationary at a traffic signal. The impact triggered a chain reaction involving three additional vehicles at the intersection.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting Escolas and all six family members to nearby medical facilities. Sadly, the family’s young son, identified as Jaylen Bush-Victorian, died at the hospital. The DA’s office reported that passengers in the other three vehicles didn’t need ambulance transport.
Lally also revealed that responding officers detected a “strong and overwhelming” smell of alcohol coming from Escolas, as well as slurred speech and glassy eyes.
District Attorney Michael Morrissey stated, “Dealing with this chaotic scene and evacuating seven people to area hospitals required the help and participation of many partner agencies…I offer my thanks to all who responded, and my sincere condolences to the family who lost their son.”
After receiving medical treatment, Escolas was arrested. In a recorded call to his wife, Escolas admitted:
“Still one too many. Messed up.”
The prosecutor added that Escolas has been drinking whiskey since before the 1 p.m. concert, continuing into the evening without ever reaching his seat.
Escolas faced court on Monday in Wrentham, Massachusetts.
Escolas pleaded not guilty to all charges. The judge set the bail at $100,000 cash, prohibiting him from driving, contacting victims, or consuming alcohol. If convicted of vehicular manslaughter, Escolas could face up to 20 years in prison.
His lawyer, describing the incident as “tragic,” requested a lower bail, arguing Escolas posed no flight risk. The judge indicated willingness to reconsider the bail amount if the case remains in district court. The DA’s office reports that a probable cause hearing for Escolas is scheduled for Sept. 19.
Following the arraignment, Jaylen Bush-Victorian’s relatives addressed the media outside.
One of Jaylen’s grandmothers, who wished to remain anonymous, shared a few heartfelt words about her grandson.
“He had a heart of gold. He loved his family. He was the protector of his brothers,” she said.
The family also said that they hope Escolas stays in jail of for a long time. They said:
“We want him to be held accountable for his actions and the devastation he has caused our family.”
On Tuesday, the school district shared a social media post, sharing their condolences to the Bush-Victorian family.
“The Brockton Public Schools are mourning the passing of rising Downey School fifth grader Jaylen Bush-Victorian following a car crash over the weekend…It’s challenging to find the words to describe the sense of loss brought on by this tragedy. Our hearts are with the family and all those who love them as they mourn.”
We send our prayers out to Jaylen’s family during this time. Get more details on the story below.
