2 men charged in crash that killed Pittsburgh-area high school student were racing, prosecutors say
DRAVOSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- Charges were filed against two men in connection to a crash in Dravosburg that took the life of 15-year-old Samantha Kalkbrenner nearly three months ago.
The Allegheny County district attorney and Allegheny County police held a news conference Thursday morning to discuss charges filed against two men in connection to a deadly crash in Dravosburg in September.
They said Wednesday night, they arrested William Soliday and Andrew Voigt after their investigation found the two were allegedly racing down Richland Avenue when the accident happened.
Police said based on evidence from an Event Data Recorder in Soliday's Volkswagen Jetta, two seconds before the crash, Soliday hit speeds reaching 107 mph.
"The Volkswagon slows to 90 mph at 0.0 seconds in the data, or impact with the school van," police said in court documents.
"Driving is a privilege. You do stuff like this, you are a murderer. I mean, that's a deadly weapon, you turn that vehicle into a deadly weapon," District Attorney Stephen Zappala said.
Police said video evidence from inside the school van shows the driver stopped on Third Street and checked each direction multiple times before pulling out onto Richland Avenue.
"When the impact took place, the Jetta immediately exploded and you can see the children are ejected from the van," Zappala said.
Four students were inside the van. Three were ejected, according to police.
Fifteen-year-old Serra Catholic student Samantha Kalkbrenner was one of the students ejected. She died at the scene.
"One child was ejected and thrown onto the roof of the burning car. I mean, it's just horrific," Zappala said.
Investigators said they worked thoroughly, considering speed, distance and time calculations to build their case.
"This heartbreaking event was devastating to Samantha's family, friends and the entire Serra community. Our hearts go out to all of you and we are grateful for your patience as we work through this lengthy investigation," said Allegheny County Police Superintendent Chris Kearns.
Soliday is now behind bars facing multiple charges including criminal homicide, aggravated assault by vehicle, racing on highways, recklessly endangering another person and careless driving. His bail was denied.
Voigt was also arrested and faces multiple charges including recklessly endangering another person, careless driving and racing.
According to police, during an interview with Voigt prior to his arrest, he denied speeding or knowing Soliday. Police said they determined both Soliday and Voigt work together at Bettis Laboratory, approximately a quarter mile from the crash site.
"Voigt literally came through that intersection, and he sees what happened and what damage has been caused," Zappala said. "But this guy just kept on going. That's cold. That's really cold. Good luck with that with the jury, tell him."
As Kalkbrenner's family continues to mourn the loss of their daughter, the community is stepping up to find ways to support them.
3C Signs began making t-shirts and sweatshirts Thursday that say "Justice for Sam" on the front and "Drive Safe, somebody loves you #smilingforsam" on the back.
The owner, Charles Sirna, hopes their efforts will make drivers think twice and slow down.
"Maybe we need to just take a minute, slow down and just maybe be kind to each other on the road, especially the holidays. Everyone gets very anxious rushing around getting last-minute errands and things of that nature," Sirna said.
T-shirts are $20 and sweatshirts are $30. They can be picked up at 3C Signs at 1801 Mifflin Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15207. They also offer delivery. All the proceeds will go to Kalkbrenner's family.
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