Bail set at $50,000 for woman accused of hitting cyclists

HAMPTON, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A woman accused of fatally striking two cyclists and injuring two others in Hampton, N.H. Saturday was held in lieu of $50,000 bail Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Darriean Hess, 19, of Seabrook, was traveling at a high rate of speed on Ocean Boulevard when she crossed the double line and hit four bicyclists. Police said she did not have a driver's license and was pulled over for speeding just hours before the incident.

Hess was charged with two counts of negligent homicide and two counts of second-degree assault Tuesday. Hess' attorney asked that she be placed under house arrest saying she was traumatized by the incident and had no prior criminal record. Prosecutors argued that Hess has family in Alaska and is a flight risk.

Pamela Wells and Elise Bouchard were participating in the 40th Annual Granite State Wheelmen Tri-State Seacoast Century ride when they were fatally struck at about 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Uwe Uhmeyer, 60, of Essex, Mass.; and Margo Heigh, 54, of Danvers, Mass. were also injured.

FOX 25's Heather Hegedus spoke with Margo Heigh following Hess' arrest Tuesday.

"We just want the right thing to be done so we can all try and heal end get on with life and let our good memories of Elise and Pam stay with us," said Heigh.

If found guilty, Hess faces a maximum sentence of 3 1/2 to 7 years in prison and fines up to $4,000 for each charge.

Cox Media Group