A Suffolk County grand jury has indicted Lawrence Shieh, 40, on multiple charges stemming from a May 13 crash in Boston Harbor that killed Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dankert, 24, and injured two of her friends. Prosecutors allege Shieh was operating a stolen boat while intoxicated, with a blood-alcohol level of .20—more than twice Massachusetts’ legal limit of .08—after a night of bar-hopping.
The indictment includes one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of boat OUI causing death, two counts of boat OUI causing serious bodily injury, using a boat without authority, and a Logan International Airport security zone violation. Cellphone footage, including video recorded on Dankert’s phone, allegedly shows Shieh dancing and with both hands off the wheel approximately six seconds before impact.
Key Details of the Incident
The boat, which was not equipped with exterior lighting, had been docked at Freedom Boat Club in Boston’s Seaport District before Shieh took it without permission. Though Shieh was a member, he had no authorization to remove the vessel. Prosecutors stated he drank at ReelHouse and several other bars in the Seaport that night before the crash.
Dankert, a former college soccer player, died from blunt force injuries sustained in the collision. The two injured passengers were treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The boat was traveling at approximately 80 mph at the time of impact, according to prosecutors.
Legal and Procedural Steps
Shieh was indicted by a Suffolk County grand jury, which determines whether there is probable cause to proceed with charges. The case now moves to the next phase of the legal process, where a trial date may be set. The charges carry significant penalties, including potential imprisonment for involuntary manslaughter and OUI-related offenses.
Background on the Defendant
Prosecutors described Shieh as a repeat offender with a history of alcohol-related incidents. The indictment follows a pattern of enforcement actions against individuals operating vehicles while intoxicated, though specific prior convictions or incidents involving Shieh were not detailed in the available reporting.
Victim’s Background
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dankert was a 24-year-old former soccer player at Stonehill College, where she played as a midfielder. Her family has not publicly commented on the case. Friends and teammates described her as an active and engaged athlete with a strong community presence.
Safety and Accountability Measures
The incident has prompted discussions about boating safety regulations, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and unauthorized vessel use. The Freedom Boat Club has not issued a public statement regarding the incident or its security protocols. The U.S. Coast Guard and Boston Police Department have not released additional details beyond confirming their involvement in the investigation.
Next Steps
The case will proceed through the judicial system, with the next major milestone likely being a pre-trial hearing or arraignment. The prosecution’s case relies heavily on cellphone footage and blood-alcohol testing, both of which are expected to be central to the trial. No timeline for resolution has been provided.