Woman Charged in Cousin's Dragging Death Ordered to Be Held on $35K Bail

The victim's brother said everyone in the family is heartbroken over the tragedy

A Boston woman charged in what police are calling the dragging death of her cousin was in court on Tuesday.

Boston Police say 29-year-old Cusandra Webb of Dorchester, died Sunday night at Boston Medical Center.

Police say the incident started early Sunday with an argument that involved Webb and her cousin, 26-year-old Brianna Smith of Boston.

Smith was allegedly drunk and driving and, when Webb tried to get into the car, Smith dragged her for about a block. However, the suspect's sister, who was with them, and her mother, told NBC Boston that didn't happen.

"It was an honest seriously accident that I wish had never ever happened," said Kimberly Allen, Smith's mother.

Prosecutors say that Webb fell to the ground after being dragged and was eventually run over by a cab driver.

Police say the cabbie could not avoid Webb when he ran over her and that he is cooperating. He is not facing charges.

Smith, who was charged with assault and battery and operating under the influence of alcohol, was ordered to be held on $35,000 bail.

According to court documents, this is not Smith's first arrest. She was charged with assault and battery, larceny, and reckless endangerment on Nov. 22, 2016 after she and her boyfriend allegedly punched and kicked a woman at the Kenmore MBTA station in Boston.

During the assault, their baby daughter was allegedly present but unsupervised in a stroller located by the train tracks, hence the reckless endangerment charge.

In court, Smith's mother said it was all an accident and that the cab driver should also be charged.

"That cab driver should be locked up. If y'all feel this was an accident or some part. He still ran her over," said Allen.

Webb's brother said he felt no malice toward his cousin Smith, and that everyone is heartbroken over the tragedy.

It was not immediately clear if Smith had an attorney or would face more charges.

Smith's next court date is March 17.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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