A well-known artist who painted several murals downtown and designed one of the big shoes on display in the city is charged with manslaughter in the deaths of a city couple.
Alan Pearsall of West Newbury has been charged in the deaths of Earl "Doug" Morris and his wife, Maryella Morris.
According to police reports, Pearsall, 42, driving a Toyota Rav4, struck the Morrisses' motorcycle on June 25 when he crossed the center line of the winding Bachelor Street in his hometown. Earl Morris was pronounced dead at the scene; his wife was flown to a Boston hospital where she died a short time later.
The Morrisses, both 63, were described by family and friends as avid and experienced motorcyclists.
Pearsall is expected to return to court on Sept. 8 to be arraigned on two counts of vehicular homicide, a marked lane violation, and failure to drive on the right side of the road.
Pearsall participated this year in the Soles of Haverhill Shoe-la-bration. He designed and painted the shoe "Haverhill Music Through the Decades." Those who pass through the city's downtown see Pearsall's art every day on several murals on Washington Street.
