Family of deadly road rage suspect clashes with victim's relatives as charge is upgraded to murder

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

MILFORD, MASSACHUSETTS: A violent altercation erupted between the family of a young woman tragically killed in a road rage incident and the relatives of the man accused of causing her death.

For context, Destini Decoff, 26, died on April 4, less than 72 hours after Ryan Sweatt's Honda Civic struck her on Route 85 north of Milford, Massachusetts.

During his court appearance on April 30, Ryan's charges were upgraded to murder. His family as well as the victim's family were present at the Framingham District Court. 

After the court session ended, the two families clashed in the hallway, hurling obscenities at each other before a brawl broke out, as per DailyMail. 

Ryan, 36, was taken into custody on April 5 and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, reckless driving, and driving in the wrong lane. Since his arrest, he has remained in jail without bail. 

His lawyer stated he is known for his peaceful demeanor and has always maintained a clean record, along with a lengthy history of steady employment. 

Destini Decoff's aunt claims Ryan Sweatt's girlfriend attacked her

Dawn Anderson, Destini's aunt, said that Ryan's girlfriend was the first to attack her during the fight, causing a cut on her neck.

"She came towards me and tried to grab the top of my hair but as you can see my hair's slicked back so that kind of didn't work and I got her on the ground," recounted Anderson.

She expressed her belief that Destini would receive justice eventually and described Ryan's family as "sick."

It remains uncertain whether anyone faced charges related to the brawl. 

Ryan Sweatt's attorney claims Destini Decoff's death was just a 'tragic accident'

Ryan's attorneys maintain that he didn't intend to hit Destini and that her injury was accidental. However, authorities say the claim doesn't match the evidence.

The alleged perpetrator's lawyer said, "This is not a road rage case as reported by the media. This was an accident that resulted when Ryan tried to get away from the group of people who came out of their car to attack him."

He added, "He did not see the person who was struck. He stopped his car after the impact and cooperated with the police. There is a lot more to what was reported in the news and as the facts come to light, I am confident it will become obvious this was a just a tragic accident."

Desitini Decoff's mother hopes Ryan Sweatt 'burns in hell'

Destini's mother, Tracy, remained skeptical, asserting that her daughter's death was deliberate and constituted murder. She stated, "If Massachusetts had the death penalty that’s what I would want.

She hoped Ryan would suffer in his afterlife as surveillance footage showed him turning back and driving toward the group of friends instead of driving away.

On Facebook, Tracy wrote, "With every ounce of my being I hope that mf burns directly in hell! Today my biggest fear as a mother became my reality. My first-born child and best friend is no longer with me. I don't break promises and I promise you with every ounce of my being I will get justice for you regardless of what it takes."

She concluded, "Go spread those beautiful wings and fly without pain and suffering."