Defense to present case in trial of man accused of killing girlfriend with truck

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WFSB) - The defense is expected to have its first full day presenting its case on Thursday in the trial of Cooper Ouellette, who is accused of running over and killing his girlfriend with his pickup truck.

The case stems from an incident in May 2023 when Ouellette was 19 and left an underage drinking party in Burlington with his 17-year-old girlfriend, Sophie Ringquist, according to state police.

Prosecutors rested their case on Wednesday. Ouellette is expected back in court around 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Defense argument

Ouellette has pleaded not guilty. He is charged with first-degree manslaughter and delivery of alcohol to a minor.

His defense argues the death of his on-again, off-again girlfriend was a tragic accident. The defense says Ringquist fell or jumped from Ouellette’s truck.

As reported by CT Insider, Ouellette’s arrest warrant shows Ringquist was taking a selfie video when the door of the truck opened. The warrant said Ouellette then stomped on the gas pedal, which caused Ringquist to fall to the ground, according to CT Insider.

Testimony so far

The lead investigator was called to the stand during the trial. Prosecutors also brought crime analysts to the stand to review digital evidence from cellphone and Life360 data.

Ringquist’s family also testified about her final moments as they rushed her to the hospital.

Channel 3 will have a crew inside the courtroom on Thursday.

Watch Channel 3 and refresh this page for updates.