WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced that Judge Carmody sentenced 38-year-old Tricia Consul of Atglen, PA to 5-10 years in state prison for homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, endangering the welfare of children, and related charges. In May 2022, the defendant crashed her car in West Sadsbury Twp while under the influence of drugs, killing her 8-year-old child and causing severe injuries to two other children, ages 9 and 11.
“Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence jeopardizes the safety of everyone. This was a horrific tragedy that resulted in the death of the defendant’s own child and injury of other children whom she was responsible for keeping safe,” said Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan. “We thank the Chester County Detectives, West Sadsbury Township Police, and our prosecutors for all of their hard work and commitment to this case to ensure justice for all victims.”
Information presented in court showed that on May 22, 2021, West Sadsbury Police responded to a one-car crash in the 4800-block of Strasburg Road involving the entrapment of passengers with serious injuries. The crash occurred after the defendant struck a bridge abutment. Four people were inside the car. The car had severe damage and multiple airbags were deployed.
Police started CPR on an unrestrained 8-year-old child sitting in the front passenger seat who was not breathing. The child was transported to Brandywine Hospital and Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, where she was pronounced dead.
A 9-year-old and an 11-year-old who had been riding in the back seat sustained serious injuries. They were transported to area hospitals for treatment. The defendant later submitted to a blood test and tested positive for numerous drugs, including Oxycodone, Klonopin & THC.
Police executed a search warrant on the car and recovered a syringe with a brown substance, a prescription pill bottle, and a paper prescription with the defendant’s name, two pharmacy receipts, and ten loose pills. A forensic search warrant of the defendant’s cell phone showed that at the time of the crash, she was attempting to facilitate an exchange of marijuana for Klonopin and was on the way to make that drug deal.
An investigation by the Serious Crash Assistance Team determined that seatbelts were not used by anyone in the car, including the three children, at the time of the crash. Police also learned that the defendant’s driver’s license was suspended and expired.
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan commended the Chester County Detectives and West Sadsbury Township Police Department for the investigation which led to the successful prosecution of Consul. Deputy DA Justin Roberts was the assigned prosecutor.
If you or anyone you know suffers from a substance use disorder, contact law enforcement for help. The Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) lets people with substance use disorders use local police to be connected to treatment at no cost.
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