A 27-year-old Connecticut woman has been charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter after authorities say she rammed her Jeep into a motorcycle carrying an off-duty police officer and his girlfriend on a rural road in Danbury, killing them both.
Background
Brittany Anne Islami, 34, was described by family as a caretaker and personal assistant who "was always the life of the party and lit up every room she walked into." She leaves behind three children ages 12, 10, and 7. Her companion for the evening was Bridgeport Police Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, who had served on the force for only two years but had already distinguished himself as an officer committed to serving with integrity and compassion.
According to his obituary, Whiteside dreamed of becoming a police officer from a young age. He was described as a musician skilled in violin and piano, an outdoor enthusiast, certified rescue diver, handyman, and "epic jokester."
The couple was riding on Whiteside's Harley-Davidson motorcycle along Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury around 2:45 a.m. on July 13 when authorities say Melissa Ramirez, driving her Jeep, struck them from behind.
The Investigation
Danbury Police Department investigators responded to the scene and determined that Ramirez had been traveling unreasonably fast before allegedly colliding with the motorcycle. Her Jeep sustained extensive front-end damage in the crash, police said.
Ramirez had to be removed from her vehicle and was transported to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Authorities say she was operating her motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision.
In addition to the two counts of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, Ramirez has been charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence, traveling unreasonably fast, and failure to drive in the proper lane. She was jailed on a $500,000 bond.
Key Takeaways
- Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, had only served two years with the Bridgeport Police Department before his death
- Brittany Anne Islami, 34, was a mother of three children ages 12, 10, and 7
- The crash occurred on Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury, Connecticut—approximately 65 miles north of Manhattan
- Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene
What's Next
Ramirez is currently held on $500,000 bond. Her case is expected to proceed through the Connecticut court system where she will face the manslaughter charges. The investigation remains ongoing according to the Danbury Police Department.