Woman Charged In Deadly DUI Crash Ordered To Stand Trial
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A judge has ruled that a woman charged in connection with a deadly crash in Stowe Township late last year will stand trial. While she awaits trial, she is no longer allowed to drive.
In December, 86-year-old Anthony Perri was at his produce truck in Stowe Township when investigators say he was struck by an alleged drunk driver and later died from his injuries.
His family recalled more pleasant times as they coped with his loss.
"He could pick up an orange and tell you how good it was without peeling it. He knew everything," Perri's niece, Angela Sauk, said.
On Friday, the driver, identified as Jennifer Roedler, was ordered to stand trial on charges including DUI and homicide by vehicle.
She covered her face when she left the hearing.
"It's just a tragedy all around. It's just senseless," said Mark Tranquilli, the Assistant District Attorney.
KDKA's Harold Hayes: "And the blood alcohol content testified to in there is… would be what, like three times the limit?
Tranquilli: "Yeah, roughly three times the legal limit."
The crash happened just after 10 a.m. Prosecutors say Roedler has struggled with alcohol. She has a previous DUI, which affected her bail pending trial.
"In light of the previous incident, we requested the judge to modify the bond so that she would not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle again," Tranquilli said. "Obviously, we did that for a public safety reason."
The Perri case is just one of many, and prosecutors say this case should serve as a reminder of something basic.
"It's just not worth it," Tranquilli said. "We do have taxicabs in Pittsburgh. Call a cab, get a ride, have a designated driver."
Perri Produce had been associated with the legacy of a business handed down from generation to generation. Now, unfortunately, it's also associated with what can happen when drinking and driving.
RELATED LINKS
Police Arrest Woman In Deadly Stowe Twp. Head-On Crash (1/24/13)
Woman To Appear In Court After Fatal Stowe Twp. Crash (2/15/13)
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