Pocono News Section

Man Facing Homicide by Vehicle Trial After DUI Crash

Man Facing Homicide by Vehicle Trial After DUI Crash - Monday, November 17, 2008 at 5:40PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Nov 17, 2008 @ 05:40pm EST
DANVILLE, MONTOUR COUNTY- The most serious charges in a deadly Montour County drunk driving accident are moving forward. The wreck happened three months ago on Route 54 near Danville. Eyewitness News spoke exclusively with the suspect who's facing homicide by vehicle charges.

Tyler Yeager left a district court in Danville Monday with very little to say. Prosecutors say the 23-year-old was speeding and drunk in august when he slammed his jeep into the back of a tractor trailer. The wreck happened on Route 54 in Valley Township.

Yeager's blood alcohol content was 0.312, nearly four times the legal limit. Defense Attorney Peter Campana said, “He's very remorseful for his actions. Obviously he made a terrible mistake. What punishment he'll get, he'll take it like a man."

County Coroner Scott Lynn heard the crash from his house. He testified to finding a beer bottle and a half bottle of rum in the car at the crash scene. Montour County District Attorney Bob Buehner said, “If there ever was a case that cried out for a designated driver, the circumstances of this accident on Aug 22nd certainly did."

23-year-old Barry Lee Anoia survived the accident and also testified Monday. His friend 32-year-old Jason Wright died in the wreck. Anoia says the trio was doing shots all night and he is still dealing with the pain. “It’s not something you can put a band-aid on and it'll get better. This is something he'll live with for the rest of his life," added Buehner.

Even though the most serious charges against Yeager were bound over, defense lawyers say the lack of an autopsy on the victim, Jason Wright, will be a problem at trial.

“The lack of autopsy raises a reasonable doubt about the cause of death. It would mean all the homicide charges would be disposed of," said Campana.