James Dorso II, of Milford is accused of hitting three members of the Tanski family, killing mother and father, Brenda and Kevin. Today, Dorso appeared in Milford Superior Court and pleaded not guilty to one charge of reckless driving and two counts of manslaughter.
According to the warrant for his arrest, Dorso was driving along Bridgeport Avenue on Feburary 11, 2013, days after a snow storm covered parts of the state with more than three feet of accumulation.
Kevin and Brenda Tanski were seen by witnesses walking single file along Bridgeport Avenue with two of their daughters between the road and the built up snow. Police believe Dorso struck three of the four members of the family as he passed them. Brenda and Kevin died days after the accident.
The Tanski’s were well known at the Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stratford. Father Andrew Marus described the couple saying, “They were quiet people, but they were a very solid people.” Adding they were, “An asset to our community.”
Next month the church will hold a fundraiser for the Tanski’s surviving three children, Kevin Jr., Jennifer, and Courtney.
James Dorso II is due back in court in three weeks. He remains free on $25,000 bail.