Manslaughter charge laid in death of Halifax pedestrian in January

A tragic incident in January has led to a 32-year-old man, Deepak Sharma, being charged with manslaughter in the death of a woman who was struck by a vehicle at a Halifax intersection. The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service recently confirmed this new charge against Sharma.

Currently, Sharma is on house arrest at an address in Moncton, N.B., where he is residing with individuals who share his surname. He is expected to appear in Halifax provincial court on April 4 to enter a plea and elect a court for trial.

Previously, Sharma had been charged with operating a conveyance causing death, operating a conveyance while impaired causing death, leaving the scene of an accident, and leaving the scene of an accident causing death, as stated in a Halifax Regional Police news release from January.

The incident occurred on Monday, January 27, near the corner of Jubilee Road and Robie Street, where police responded to a collision involving Sharma’s vehicle and another vehicle. Sharma allegedly attempted to flee the scene and tragically struck 21-year-old Alexandria Wortman in a crosswalk before hitting two parked vehicles. Wortman was taken to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

As part of his house arrest conditions, Sharma is prohibited from consuming or possessing alcohol or controlled substances unless prescribed by a doctor. He must remain at the Moncton residence and can only leave for medical emergencies involving himself or a household member. Additionally, he is forbidden from operating a motor vehicle.

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences that can result from impaired or reckless behavior behind the wheel. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Alexandria Wortman during this difficult time.