PLIMOTH TODAY
Plymouth County Judicial & Public Safety Coverage

HINGHAM MASS — Nearly four years after a devastating crash sent shockwaves through Plymouth County, a judge has determined that Bradley Rein—the driver accused of plowing his SUV through the front window of the Derby Street Apple Store—is legally competent to stand trial for second-degree murder and motor vehicle homicide.

The ruling moves one of the region’s most prominent pending criminal cases closer to trial following months of legal delays, competency evaluations, and court appearances at Plymouth County Superior Court.

Competency Assessment and Legal Hurdles

The question of Rein’s competency was brought forward after his defense counsel suggested that ongoing memory issues and cognitive concerns might prevent him from effectively assisting in his own defense. In response, the court ordered a formal psychological and clinical evaluation.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the judge reviewed the findings of the court clinician’s screening report, which concluded that Rein does not meet the legal threshold for mental incompetence. The screening found no underlying psychiatric or cognitive impediments that would prevent him from understanding the charges against him or working alongside his defense team. Based on those findings, the judge ruled that the judicial process will move forward without further competency-related stays.

The November 2022 Derby Street Crash

The charges stem from the morning of November 21, 2022, during the height of the busy holiday shopping week at Hingham Derby Street Shops. According to court records and police reports, Rein was behind the wheel of a 2019 Toyota 4Runner when the vehicle accelerated through the pedestrian walkway, mounted the curb, and crashed through the floor-to-ceiling glass storefront of the Apple Store.

The SUV traveled deep into the retail space before coming to a stop, creating immediate chaos for dozens of morning shoppers and store employees.

The impact fatally struck 65-year-old Kevin Bradley, a Rhode Island native and dedicated construction worker who was performing scheduled maintenance work at the store. In addition to the fatality, 19 other individuals suffered injuries ranging from severe trauma and fractures to lacerations, requiring medical transport to South Shore Hospital and surrounding regional trauma units.

Prosecution Evidence vs. Mechanical Defense

In initial statements following the incident, Rein informed investigators that his foot had become stuck on the accelerator pedal or that a software malfunction had caused the SUV to unexpectedly surge forward at high speed.

However, state prosecutors and Massachusetts State Police forensic crash reconstructionists presented evidence indicating the vehicle reached speeds near 60 mph in the seconds prior to impact, with no physical evidence of braking. Subsequent mechanical and technical inspections conducted on the Toyota 4Runner revealed no mechanical defects, pedal obstructions, or electronic throttle failures that could account for the sudden acceleration.

Rein was subsequently indicted by a Plymouth County grand jury on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, and multiple counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Revocation of Bail and Court Timeline

Rein had previously been released on personal recognizance with strict bail conditions, which included wearing a continuous alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet and refraining from driving. However, his bail was formally revoked in August after court probation officials flagged a violation involving a failed alcohol test, leading to his remand into custody at the Plymouth County House of Correction.

With competency now established, the court has outlined the upcoming schedule for pre-trial motions and proceedings:

October 14, 2026: Plymouth County Superior Court will hear arguments regarding a defense motion for a change of venue, where attorneys are expected to argue that extensive local media coverage prevents the selection of an impartial jury within Plymouth County.

January 2027: Jury selection and trial proceedings are scheduled to officially commence.

Plimoth Today will continue to follow court dockets and provide updates as pre-trial hearings resume next month.