March 20, 2025 – Chicopee, Massachusetts – Two men are facing felony charges in relation to a pedestrian’s death on Abbey Memorial Drive in Chicopee that occurred on Sunday, February 9.

At approximately 7:45 p.m., Chicopee Police Officers responded to a call regarding a motor vehicle that struck a pedestrian at the 1200 block of Abbey Memorial Drive in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female victim, Vanessa Perez, 34, of Springfield. Prior to being transported to the hospital, Ms. Perez succumbed to her injuries in the ambulance.

The defendants have been identified as Lavonta Williams Jr., 29, of Chicopee, and Jerimeldo Lopez, 23, of South Hadley. The two men are set to be arraigned on April 8 and April 9, respectively.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “My condolences go out to the Perez family over this tragedy. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to fight for justice and accountability through our forthcoming prosecution.”

Williams Jr. is being charged with (1) count of leaving the scene of personal injury and death. Lopez is being charged with (1) count of negligent operation of a motor vehicle and (1) count of leaving the scene of personal injury and death.

This remains an ongoing investigation by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Chicopee Police Department.