Cape Verdean Immigrant Charged in Drunk Driving Crash That Killed Massachusetts Cop

Keoma Duarte, 41, accused of vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, has a history of prior motor vehicle incidents.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:22am

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Keoma Duarte, a 41-year-old immigrant from Cape Verde, has been charged with vehicular homicide after allegedly driving drunk and crashing head-on into a Massachusetts police officer, killing him instantly. Duarte has a history of prior motor vehicle incidents, including a 2013 arrest for driving with a suspended license and a 2023 hit-and-run crash, but his African birthplace is often omitted from news reports.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the treatment of immigrants involved in serious crimes, as well as questions about whether Duarte's African background has played a role in how his cases have been handled by authorities.

The details

According to police reports, on the evening of November 27, 2024, Duarte was at a New Hampshire state liquor store when he got back on the highway heading south in the northbound lane. He drove 13 miles in the wrong direction, crashing head-on into a vehicle driven by Sgt. Jeremy Cole, a 49-year-old college police officer. Cole was killed instantly. Duarte was found to be impaired, with a blood alcohol level of .119 and several empty alcohol bottles in his car, as well as marijuana. However, he was initially released by authorities.

  • On November 27, 2024, Duarte allegedly crashed head-on into Sgt. Jeremy Cole's vehicle, killing him.
  • In May 2025, Duarte was arrested again in New Bedford on a fugitive-from-justice warrant.

The players

Keoma Duarte

A 41-year-old immigrant from Cape Verde who has been charged with vehicular homicide and has a history of prior motor vehicle incidents.

Sgt. Jeremy Cole

A 49-year-old college police officer who was killed in the head-on collision with Duarte's vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“DUARTE was disoriented, could not respond to basic questions… slurred speech, consistent with impairment… the odor of alcoholic beverages….”

— New Hampshire State Police

“Up to the point where he was eventually taken to the hospital, he continued to deny to police he had been in an accident, even though his car was crushed and he had in essence crushed Sgt. Cole.”

— Prosecutor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Keoma Duarte out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the treatment of immigrants involved in serious crimes, as well as questions about whether Duarte's African background has played a role in how his cases have been handled by authorities.