Dartmouth man faces charges following double-fatal car accident

A Westport couple was killed in a head-on accident Sunday, May 25 after a Dartmouth man allegedly crossed the double yellow around 422 Old Westport Road.

Dartmouth’s Phillip Morris, 63, is now facing two counts of Motor Vehicle Homicide by negligent operation and a marked lanes violation.

When Dartmouth Police arrived on scene around 10:30 a.m., two vehicles were located, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. One car, a Toyota Rav 4, was operated by Morris — the second, a green Toyota Echo, was operated by Jeffrey Moniz, 76, and occupied by his wife, Diane Moniz, 76, both of Westport.

Investigation revealed the vehicle operated by Morris crossed the double yellow line and struck the Moniz’s family car head on. 

Jeffrey and Diane Moniz were located by police and EMS with traumatic injuries. The two were transported to a local hospital where they were both pronounced deceased. 

Morris had sustained minor injuries.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing. Dartmouth Police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office have not yet responded to requests for further comment.