Trial Begins For Man Accused In 2013 Route 28 Fatal Crash
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The trial of a man accused in a fatal crash on Route 28 in O'Hara Township began Wednesday afternoon.
Jared Schillinger is charged with homicide and DUI in the death of 18-year-old Rikki Flemming.
According to police, Schillinger rear-ended Flemming's car on a snowy night in February of 2013 in the northbound lanes of Route 28 between Etna and the Highland Park Bridge.
As a result of the impact, Flemming's vehicle left the road and began to roll on an embankment in the median.
Flemming was wearing a seatbelt, but was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover and was pronounced dead at the scene.
She was on her way home from work shortly after 11 p.m. and died of her injuries.
The courtroom was filled with Flemming's friends and family who sat through an emotional day of testimony.
Several witnesses who were driving on Route 28 took the stand and described seeing a gray Volkswagen GTI speeding that night.
Witnesses used the words "zig-zagging" and "weaving" as they described how Schillinger was allegedly driving. Estimates of his speed ranged from 45 to 85 miles per hour.
The parade of witnesses didn't see the crash, but saw or heard the aftermath. They described for the judge in this non-jury trial how Flemming's lifeless body was thrown from car and laid in the road.
Pictures entered as evidence showed personal belongings strewn about. Her leg, severed in the crash, was found a few feet away.
Officer Larry Mercuric testified as he approached the scene what caught his attention was the clothing and personal items in the roadway. He said, "I don't think this is going to be good," before even seeing Flemming's lifeless body.
Testimony will continue Thursday.
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