Man Charged in Dirt Bike Crash that Killed Plymouth Teen

The family of a teenage boy who was killed in a dirt bike crash picketed outside the Plymouth courthouse where a man was charged in connection with the boy's death.

Christopher Kelly, 40, of Randolph, was arraigned Tuesday in Plymouth District Court; he faces charges of leaving the scene of a recreational vehicle accident with personal injury, a misdemeanor. 

James Ward Jr., a freshman at Plymouth North High School, was killed Dec. 9 when he and Kelly collided head on. James, 14, was riding his dirt bike with his father and brother when the crash happened near Darby Station Road.

James' family tried to send a message, picketing outside the courthouse while Christopher Kelly was arraigned. The family is upset because the charge carries no jail time, only a fine of up to $1,000 and the loss of his license for one year, according to WATD.

"We will fight and fight and fight until we get justice," a family member told WHDH.

[James'] family says Kelly promised to go get help but never came back, leaving the boy to die.

"How do you do that, how do you leave a little boy lying there with his dad and go on with your life like nothing happened? So we're struggling, everyday is a struggle," a family member said.

Kelly's attorney says the accident has taken a toll on his client.

"Well, he's extremely upset, he was upset with the event, and he's upset with the fact that he was involved in a motor vehicle accident that involved death," said Jack Atwood, Kelly's attorney.

The boy's family is working with police and prosecutors to bring tougher charges against Kelly.

"There's just nothing to do now, not dirt biking anymore and it's just, it's heartbreaking," said Jacob Ward, victim's brother.

Off-road collisions can be harder to investigate, but they are re-enacting the one in question, so more charges could come in the future.

James was serving as a US Naval Sea Cadet at MassMaritime Academy, according to his obituary. Riding his dirt bike was one of his favorite hobbies.

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