LANCASTER, PA — In a heart-wrenching courtroom scene last Thursday, Whitney Webb, a 28-year-old Lancaster city resident, faced the consequences of her actions in a devastating crash that claimed the lives of two individuals and left others with serious injuries. The tragedy unfolded on Route 30 in Mountville on August 22, 2021, around 2:39 a.m., involving a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision.
Webb, residing on the 600 block of Poplar Street, entered a guilty plea to a slew of charges including accident involving death or personal injury and driving without a license, among others, in front of Lancaster County President Judge David Ashworth. The plea deal secured her an aggravated-range sentence of 3½ to 7 years behind bars.
The crash, described as fatal and multi-vehicle by authorities, resulted in the untimely deaths of two individuals, aged 66 and 44. Assistant District Attorney Kyle Linardo, who prosecuted the case, emphasized the severity of Webb’s decision to flee the scene, stating, “The crime is that she took the evidence from the Commonwealth when she left the scene of the crash.” The emotional toll of the incident was palpable in the courtroom, with Linardo acknowledging the irreplaceable loss suffered by the victims’ families.
Investigations led by West Hempfield Township Police Department Sergeant Ryan Draper revealed the involvement of three vehicles: a black Mazda, a grey BMW, and a red Chrysler minivan. The deadly sequence began when the Mazda, driven by Webb, collided with the BMW, causing it to roll over onto the highway. The Chrysler subsequently struck the BMW, leading to the fatalities and serious injuries.
Further inquiry into the incident uncovered that Webb had been using the Mazda, which belonged to a friend. The vehicle, later found damaged at Webb’s residence, was towed under a warrant. Webb admitted to leaving the scene of another hit-and-run crash in York County, citing fear as her reason for fleeing.
Evidence presented during the preliminary hearing included data showing the Mazda was traveling at a hazardous speed of 84 miles per hour in a 55 MPH zone just seconds before the collision. Additionally, Webb’s license was suspended at the time, and cell phone data placed her in the vicinity of the crash.
As part of her sentence, Webb is required to pay $285,289.10 in restitution, marking a significant financial repercussion alongside her prison term. The case serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of responsibility on the road.
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