The trial of a Milford teen accused of killing his friend in a drunken crash more than a year ago has been postponed until March 2017.
Benjamin Cook, 19, previously of New Boston, was scheduled to stand trial later this month in Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester. However, a judge recently granted Cook’s request to postpone the trial to give his new attorney additional time to prepare.
Cook was previously represented by Tony Soltani of Epsom, but in recent months a public defender was assigned to his case. Soltani said the Cook family could no longer afford a private attorney, but that he is still watching the case closely though not involved.
Public defender Julian Jefferson, who is now representing Cook, could not be reached for comment.
Cook faces charges of negligent homicide, aggravated driving while intoxicated and driving after license suspension. All three charges stem from the July 3, 2015, crash on Route 114 in Weare that killed Trevor Gonyer, 17, of Dunbarton.
Police say Gonyer was ejected from a 1997 GMC pickup truck that crashed in the early-morning hours. Gonyer was one of two passengers in the truck; the other was Aaron Hodgdon of Weare.
Prosecutors allege Cook negligently caused Gonyer’s death when he drove the truck in speeds in excess of 75 mph without the headlights on while intoxicated. Cook had a blood alcohol level of 0.12 percent, well above the 0.02 percent that is legal for drivers younger than 21.
Authorities have previously said Gonyer, Cook and Hodgdon were leaving a closed business when New Boston police Officer Stephen Case spotted the truck with a broken taillight and began a pursuit. They reported that Cook sped off, crossing about 2 miles into Weare and rolling the truck near an RV dealership.
Cook and Hodgdon suffered serious injuries. A dog named Leo was also thrown from the truck and had to be euthanized.
Cook has been out of jail on bail conditions since late February.
A final pretrial conference is scheduled for March 1, with jury selection slated to begin March 13 in Manchester.
(Alyssa Dandrea can be reached at 369-3319, adandrea@cmonitor.com or on Twitter @_ADandrea.)