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Hit-And-Run Suspect Held On High Bail

Woman In Wheelchair Struck, Killed In Hyannis

POSTED: 11:45 am EDT May 24, 2010
UPDATED: 5:36 pm EDT May 24, 2010

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A Cape Cod teenager accused in connection with a hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a woman in a wheelchair returned to court in handcuffs Monday.

Gina Giovangelo, 18, arrived at the courthouse around at about 10:15 a.m. in the custody of Barnstable police, handcuffed and shackled.

She was captured on Saturday at the Rosewood Motel in Wareham, where police say she'd been hiding out since walking away from Barnstable District Court on Friday.

Giovangelo was charged with motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and held on $500,000 bail.

Lillian White, 47, was struck and fatally injured while crossing a street in her motorized wheelchair on Tuesday.

"They were able to observe a purse fly onto the windshield as they continued to drive away," prosecutor Matthew Kelly said.

Several members of the victim's family waited in court to watch Giovangelo's arraignment.

"She sat there in the courtroom, showing no emotion, no nothing -- like a mannequin just sitting there," said the victim's son Sean Stevens. "I hope she rots in jail."

"I don't want to hear this 18 thing. I don't care. She is an adult once she hits 18. She knew what she did," said the victim's son, Sean White.

Her attorney said his client is immature and scared.

"Panic struck in, that's where it stood. It's pretty clear there's no master plan when she's running through the woods barefoot," defense attorney George Hassett said.

Giovangelo is scheduled to return to court on June 9.

Jordan Robinson, 20, and Cameron Byers, 20, are also charged with helping Giovangelo escape.

Prosecutors said the motel room was in Robinson's name and that she has a pending larceny case. Robinson's bail was set at $15,000, and she is scheduled to return to court on June 8.

Prosecutors said Byers helped Giovangelo shop for a new car on Friday, negotiating prices.

His bail was set at $25,000, and he is scheduled to return to court on June 21.

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