Man charged with Murder in Fatal Hit-and-Run

August 16, 2013

For Immediate Release

Contact: Tim Connolly (508) 368-7236 or 508-688-5565

LEOMINSTER –A city man, charged with murder in a hit-and-run killing near Lake Whalom, was ordered held without bail at his arraignment today in Leominster District Court, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

A not guilty plea was entered on behalf of Matthew S. Padovano, 33, of 6 McKinley St. Judge Maura K. McCarthy continued the case to Sept. 16.

Mr. Padovano is charged in the Aug. 3 death of David M. Szafarowicz, 33, of Oxford Street, Auburn. Assistant District Attorney Lisa Casella told the court that Mr. Padovano ran over Mr. Szafarowicz in his Jeep Commander after the two men were part of large melee inside the Captain’s Lounge, 1536 Main St. The victim was pronounced dead in the street.

Mr. Padovano did not stop after running over Mr. Szafarowicz and then hid the vehicle.