Tragedy doesn't usually announce itself. It just crashes in. On a warm Saturday night in August 2024, thousands of country music fans were packed into Gillette Stadium, singing along with Kenny Chesney. But outside those stadium walls, in the sprawling parking lots of Foxborough, a chain of events was starting that would change several families forever. At the center of it was 42-year-old Michael Escolas, a man from Oxford, MA, whose name is now inextricably linked to a horrific crash and the loss of a young life.
The details are heavy. Honestly, they’re hard to read. But if you’ve been following the news or live in the Oxford area, you know this story has left a massive mark on the community. It wasn't just a car accident; it was a series of choices that ended in a 10-year-old boy named Jaylen Bush-Victorian losing his life.
The Night Everything Went Wrong
It started at 1 p.m. That’s when prosecutors say Escolas began drinking whiskey in the Gillette Stadium parking lot. He was there for the concert, but according to investigators, he never actually made it to his seat. His wife was already inside, reportedly texting him to come join her. He didn't.
Instead, around 8:30 p.m., police say Escolas walked through Lot P10. He found a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee belonging to a couple from Vermont. The couple had left a purse inside, and crucially, that purse contained the key fob. Escolas allegedly got in, started the engine, and drove away.
A Collision at 50 MPH
The Jeep didn't get far, but it gathered a lot of speed. About four miles from the stadium, at the intersection of Route 1 and Interstate 495 in Plainville, a family of six from Rhode Island was sitting at a red light in a Nissan Altima. There were two adults in the front and four children in the back.
They were just waiting for the light to turn green.
The Jeep slammed into the back of their Nissan at an estimated speed of 50 mph. The impact was so violent it triggered a chain reaction involving three other vehicles. When first responders arrived, they found a chaotic scene. All six members of the family in the Nissan, along with Escolas, had to be rushed to hospitals.
Who is Michael Escolas of Oxford?
Before this night, Escolas was a manager at an automotive shop and a father of three children himself. His defense attorney pointed out during his arraignment in Wrentham District Court that he has lived in Oxford his entire life. He had no major criminal record, though prosecutors noted a previous OUI charge that didn't lead to a conviction.
His family and defense described him as a lifelong resident, a working man. But the person the police met at the crash site was different. Troopers reported that he smelled strongly of alcohol, had glassy eyes, and was slurring his words.
Perhaps the most haunting detail came from a recorded phone call Escolas made to his wife while in custody. According to the Norfolk District Attorney’s office, he told her, “Still one too many. One too many. Messed up.” When his wife asked if he had the car, he replied, “I’ll find out what I did.”
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The Charges and Legal Fallout
Michael Escolas is currently facing more than a dozen charges. The most serious among them is motor vehicle manslaughter while operating under the influence. This carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Other charges include:
- Larceny of a motor vehicle
- Operating under the influence (OUI)
- Driving to endanger
The judge set his bail at $100,000 cash. He was also ordered to wear a SCRAM device—a monitor that checks for alcohol consumption—three times a day if he were to be released.
The Victim: Jaylen Bush-Victorian
While the legal case focuses on Michael Escolas, the heart of the story is Jaylen. He was only 10 years old. His grandmothers spoke outside the courthouse, describing him as a "protector" with a "heart of gold."
His father, who was driving the Nissan, suffered not just physical injuries but a profound psychological break from the trauma. Family members shared that in the immediate aftermath, he was "delusional," unable to process the reality that his son was gone. It’s the kind of grief that doesn't just go away with a court verdict.
Why This Case Matters for Oxford and Beyond
When someone from a small town like Oxford is involved in something this high-profile, the shockwaves are felt locally. People want to know how a regular Saturday turned into a tragedy of this scale.
There are questions about stadium security, too. How does someone just walk off with a car from a high-security event? While the key fob being in the car was a factor, the incident has sparked conversations about parking lot safety and the "tailgating culture" that sometimes goes too far.
What Happens Next
The case against Michael Escolas is still moving through the Massachusetts court system. For the family of Jaylen Bush-Victorian, the path forward is one of healing and seeking justice. For the town of Oxford, it’s a somber reminder of how quickly lives can be upended.
If you are following this case, the most important thing to keep in mind is the impact of impaired driving. It’s a cliché until it’s a headline.
Next Steps for Awareness:
- Advocate for safe transport: If you're attending large events at Gillette Stadium or similar venues, look into pre-arranged shuttle services to avoid the risks associated with high-traffic, high-alcohol environments.
- Support victim services: Organizations like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) provide direct support to families like Jaylen's.
- Stay informed locally: Follow the Norfolk District Attorney’s office for official updates on trial dates and sentencing hearings.