Commonwealth v. Lavigne

Erik, a seventeen year old high school junior, decided to hitchhike home from his after-school job when he got out of work late in the afternoon of a cold December day. He was offered a ride by the defendant, James E. Lavigne, and entered the front passenger seat of the defendant’s car. After a brief conversation about Erik’s studies and plans to become an electrician, the defendant asked Erik if he “wanted to make some money.” Assuming that the defendant was interested in having some electrical work done, Erik inquired “doing what?” At that point, the defendant put his right hand on Erik’s…