Animation shows Sophie Ringquist's final moments
Jurors in the Cooper Ouellette trial viewed Life360 footage depicting the teen's death, while experts continue to dispute the cause of her injuries.
By Riya Zhao ·
Jurors in New Britain saw a forensic video Wednesday showing the final moments of Sophie Ringquist.
The animation was generated from Life360 location data pulled from the phones of Ringquist and Cooper Ouellette. Mark Sanders, an employee of the New England State Police Information Network, took the stand to explain the analysis of that digital information. The prosecution introduced this visual evidence as part of its closing arguments before resting its case.
Ouellette faces charges of manslaughter and delivery of alcohol to a minor. The state alleges that on May 20, 2023, the two attended a party in Terryville where they drank underage. According to the arrest warrant, Ouellette was driving his truck when he suddenly pressed the gas pedal. This action caused the 17 year old to fall from the vehicle and strike the ground.
Medical testimony has centered on the mechanism of Ringquist's death. Dr. Gregory Vincent, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, testified that a tire from Ouellette's truck struck Ringquist. He maintained that impact was the cause of her fatal injuries.
The defense presented a different view. Dr. Alex Williamson, a medical examiner hired from New York, testified on Tuesday. He stated that the injuries were consistent with a person falling from a moving vehicle and hitting the pavement. He argued that the wounds did not prove she was run over by a tire.
Ouellette's legal team has challenged the reliability of the Life360 data used to create the animation. They argued that the location tracking app produces inconsistent results. Judge Chris Pelosi allowed the data into evidence after reviewing it during pretrial hearings. The judge also indicated that the prosecution would finish presenting witnesses on Wednesday.
The trial began on October 29 and is expected to run for approximately two weeks. The case is being heard in state Superior Court in New Britain. A livestream of the proceedings has been available to the public with a slight delay.
