Bail for man charged in deadly hit-and-run set at $25K

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) - The suspect in a fatal hit-and-run in Massachusetts has been held on $25,000 bail.

Police say 58-year-old Natalie Vieira was leaving a Dartmouth liquor store on March 3 when he struck and killed 33-year-old Stasha Lynn Faria, of Westport.

Vieira told investigators he thought he hit a light pole. His damaged vehicle was found at a body shop.

Police say the suspect’s legal name is Natalie but he is transgender, identifies as male, and goes by Nate or Marcos.

The Standard-Times reports that Vieira is from California but recently moved in with relatives in Westport. Prosecutors say he texted someone in California to “come and get him,” creating a significant flight risk.

If he makes bail, he will be placed on home confinement and monitored by GPS.

___

Information from: The (New Bedford, Mass.) Standard-Times, http://www.southcoasttoday.com