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Sports blog: Warrior Nation

By KARA O'CONNOR

Villager Staff Writer


WILTON -- A Wilton man involved in a fatal crash on Ridgefield Road pleaded guilty to manslaughter Thursday at Norwalk Superior Court.

According to Wilton Police, Gregory Dionisio, 21, of 221 Catalpa Road, was traveling northbound on Ridgefield Road at 7:28 a.m. on July 5 and crashed into Wilton resident Thomas C. Fleming, 50, of 71 Grey Rocks Road, throwing him from his motorcycle. Police reports stated that the grey 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier convertible that was driven by Dionisio was on the wrong side of the road at the time of the accident. Both Dionisio and Fleming were then taken to the Norwalk Hospital and, according to police reports, Fleming "succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at Norwalk Hospital."

Dionisio, who turned himself in on Aug. 27, 2009 after learning there was a warrant for his arrest, pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a motor vehicle in the second degree while intoxicated, and driving while intoxicated.

John Thygerson, Dionisio's attorney, said his client pleaded guilty in an attempt to provide some closure for the family and friends of Tom Fleming.

"Mr. Dionisio is extremely remorseful," said Thygerson. "A day doesn't go by that he isn't full of guilt because he caused the death of another. This plea will hopefully provide some sense of closure for the family and friends in the criminal and civil courts."

According to Thygerson, Dionisio's maximum sentence is 10 years with the possibility of parole after 6 years served.

Chris Fleming, who is Tom Fleming's brother, said the plea is a small progress for his family and friends.

"There is no such thing as a winner here," he said. "No matter what happens, Tom is not going to come back."

The arrest warrant affidavit stated that laboratory toxicology test results showed Dionisio had a blood alcohol content level of .09 percent and also tested positive for THC, Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine and Ecstasy.

Dionisio is next scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, June 10.

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