A Plymouth County Grand Jury has indicted 26-year-old William Senne of Wayland on charges of motor vehicle homicide in the death of State Trooper Ellen Engelhardt.

Senne was driving drunk in 2003 when he rear-ended Engelhardt's cruiser in the breakdown lane on Route 25 in Wareham. Engelhardt suffered a severe brain injury as a result, ultimately succumbing to her injuries on June 1 of this year.

Senne, who was 18 at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty to operating under the influence to cause serious bodily injury and was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. He was released in 2007.

The Plymouth County District Attorney's office announced the indictment on Wednesday, September 14. In a statement, Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Colonel Marian J. McGovern thanked District Attorney Timothy Cruz for his "efforts to seek justice" for Engelhardt.

"Nothing can ever fill the hole left in the hearts and lives of those who knew and loved Ellen, but it is entirely fitting that the person whose actions caused this tragedy be held accountable for her death," McGovern said. "Not a day passes that the Massachusetts State Police do not recall, with solemnity and sadness, Ellen's full measure of sacrifice. Her example inspires us, and will continue to do so for all our days."

Engelhardt, who was 58 when she died, is the 32nd member of the State Police to die in the line of duty.