Brockton MA Man Indicted on Upgraded Manslaughter Charges in 2025 Crash That Killed Two Passengers

Brockton, Mass. — A 32-year-old Brockton man is facing upgraded manslaughter charges in connection with a fiery 2025 crash that killed two of his passengers.

Mario Hernandez was arraigned Wednesday in Plymouth County Superior Court on two counts of manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, along with charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle and intimidation. Prosecutors said the upgraded charges followed a grand jury indictment returned earlier this month.

The crash happened around 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 14, 2025, at the intersection of Centre and Quincy streets in Brockton. Investigators say Hernandez was driving a 2019 Infiniti Q50 when it collided with a box truck, causing the truck to overturn and the Infiniti to burst into flames.

Shane Spillane, 26, died shortly after the crash, while 24-year-old Justin Pratt later died from his injuries. Prosecutors allege Hernandez’s blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit and that a surviving passenger reported he had been driving erratically before the collision.

Hernandez pleaded not guilty. He is being held on $100,000 cash bail while also in federal immigration custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 5.

The case remains under investigation, and Hernandez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.