DOVER – A closed-door settlement conference will be held today at Strafford Superior Court for a Somersworth man accused of negligent homicide in a July 2025 crash that claimed the life of a 25-year-old Rochester man.
Tayshawn Antione Sheppard, 20, is facing up to 15 years in state prison in connection with the death of Adrian Sharman of Rochester.
In an April indictment Sheppard was accused of driving with a blood alcohol content of .02 while a minor when the fatal crash occurred.
Due to the DUI-charge enhancement Shappard is now facing up to 15 years in state prison.
A settlement conference is an informal private and off-the-record meeting between defense and prosecution attorneys to try to find mediation that could avoid a lengthy trial.
Settlement conferences are typically held in a judge's private chambers, a conference room, or via private phone/video calls.
Retired Strafford Superior Judge Steven M. Houran will be presiding over today’s meeting, which will not be open to the media or public.
The typical process includes lawyers for both sides presenting a summary of their facts and evidence. Often the neutral judge speaks with both sides separately to pitch fair compromise numbers.
The prosecution and defense are likely to discuss potential plea deals such as pleading to a lesser charge.
According to the New Hampshire Judicial Branch, the “settlement judge helps parties evaluate their case and communicate about options for resolution. “
The crash occurred on July 24, 2025, around 6:45 a.m. in the area of 78 Rochester Hill Road where police say Sheppard was driving a 2023 Acura Integra when he passed over the double-yellow lines as he was heading into Rochester, colliding with three vehicles headed in the opposite direction.
Sheppard and the other two drivers involved in the crash escaped with minor or no injuries.
Sheppard is currently out on PR bail with restrictions that he not consume any alcohol, drive a motor vehicle or leave the state.
According to court records, Sheppard was involved in an earlier crash in Farmington in August 2024, when he was arrested for reckless conduct, unlawful passing on the left and speeding, all offenses that were also charged in the July 2025 crash.
The results of today’s settlement conference will remain confidential, however, if the parties work out an agreement it will be made public.
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