Merrimack Valley

Pigaga trial delayed to Monday


Published: March 26, 2009

HAVERHILL — The trial of Marie Pigaga, charged with negligent driving in the death of a 43-year-old Danville, N.H., mother, has been delayed until Monday.

Judge Stephen Abany ordered the delay in Haverhill District Court today after conferring with lawyers for both sides. No public statement was made about the reason for the delay. The lawyers refused to explain the reason.

The Eagle-Tribune is making a formal request to the judge that the reason be made public.

Pigaga, 48, of 8 Middle Road, Plaistow, N.H., is charged with being negligent when her Mercedes went off Route 125 as she drove north near the Plaistow line on June 18, 2007. The car jumped a short wall in front of the Haffner's gas station and hit Robin Young, killing her as she was wiping down her car that had just gone through the Haffner's car wash at the station.

Police said Pigaga told them her brakes failed, but they said tests of the car showed the brakes did work.

The trial is scheduled to restart Monday morning.

A full report updating the trial will appear in Friday's edition of The Eagle-Tribune.