LANCASTER, PA — In a grim conclusion to a fatal car crash case last year, 37-year-old Jeremy Leonard was sentenced on Wednesday to between 1 ½ to 10 years in prison. The Paradise resident pleaded guilty to causing the single-car collision on Corner Ketch Road that cost a life and left another person seriously injured.
Leonard, residing at S. Belmont Road, owned up to charges of homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle, amongst others. He also admitted to four DUI-related charges, three counts of recklessly endangering another person, and three summary traffic offenses before Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker.
The horrifying incident occurred at approximately 8:16 p.m. on July 13, 2021. Pennsylvania State Police were called to the scene of a reported traffic collision on Corner Ketch Road. Upon arrival, they discovered a blue Honda Civic with significant rear passenger side damage. There were clear signs of a violent crash, with a nearby tree also bearing the brunt of the impact and tire marks veering off the road.
Tragically, one of the four occupants in the vehicle lost their life as a result of the collision. Another was ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries. Leonard, who was behind the wheel, confessed to driving the vehicle, and witnesses at the scene corroborated reports of aggressive driving prior to the crash.
Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Blazier led the prosecution, while Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Richard Whitehouse filed the charges. The tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving and the importance of road safety.
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