Written by HINGHAM, MA — A definitive trial date has been established for Bradley Rein, the driver involved in the 2022 fatal crash at the Apple Store in the Derby Street Shops. Following a series of procedural delays, a judge in Plymouth Superior Court has scheduled the trial to begin in January 2027.
The case stems from the November 21, 2022, incident in which Rein’s Toyota 4Runner accelerated through the glass storefront, traveling at speeds estimated by prosecutors to be at least 60 mph. The crash resulted in the death of 65-year-old Kevin Bradley Jr. and left approximately 20 others with significant injuries.
Legal Arguments and Delays
The road to the 2027 trial date has been marked by a lengthy discovery process. Rein’s defense team has consistently argued that the incident was the result of a mechanical failure, asserting that his foot became stuck on the accelerator. Recent hearings focused on the defense’s efforts to obtain maintenance and technical records from Toyota to support this claim.
Conversely, the prosecution maintains that Rein acted with “malice and extreme atrocity,” citing data from the vehicle’s “black box” that allegedly shows no attempt to brake before the impact.
Charges Facing Rein
Bradley Rein faces a litany of serious charges, including:
- Second-Degree Murder
- Motor Vehicle Homicide
- Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- 22 Counts of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
Impact on the Community
The incident remains one of the most significant public safety events in recent South Shore history, prompting the installation of new safety bollards at the Derby Street Shops and sparking statewide discussions regarding storefront safety regulations.
As the legal proceedings move toward the January 2027 start, Rein remains free on $100,000 cash bail with conditions that include GPS monitoring and a prohibition on operating motor vehicles.
