The trial of Thomas Howell , now this week , began 18 in Massachusetts , Haverhill . His defense lawyer claimed authorities set out from the beginning to link texting to the crash , a cause-and-effect relationship that he contends is not valid . Authorities say he was texting before a fatal crash , then erased some of the texts . The defense argues authorities had an agenda in trying to link texting with the crash . The teen had told police after the incident , `` I was tired , I was distracted ''
The trial of Thomas Howell , now this week , began 18 in Massachusetts , Haverhill . Authorities say he was texting before a fatal crash , then erased some of the texts . The defense argues authorities had an agenda in trying to link texting with the crash . The teen had told police after the incident , `` I was tired , I was distracted ''