WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — A Pennsylvania teenager, Stephen Andrew Yuhasz, is set to face a trial for homicide by vehicle along with other charges for his involvement in a fatal crash last July, though a third-degree murder charge was dismissed by the district judge. The collision resulted in the death of Kathleen McFadden, 65, of Montoursville, and severe injuries to her husband, Mark McFadden.
During a preliminary hearing, District Judge Gary Whiteman ruled that the case against Yuhasz, 18, from Reading, would proceed on charges including homicide by vehicle, two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle, and three counts of recklessly endangering another person. All originated from a tragic incident on July 6 along Route 87 in Upper Fairfield Township.
Court documents revealed that Yuhasz attempted an ill-timed overtaking maneuver leading to the deadly crash. While trying to pass another vehicle, he entered the oncoming lane, directly in the path of the McFadden’s car. Despite attempting to swerve away to avoid the crash, the collision occurred, resulting in McFadden’s death from blunt force trauma and injuries to her husband.
The speed at which Yuhasz was traveling became a critical point during the investigation. State Trooper Jacob Sukal, a collision reconstructionist, testified that data retrieved from the vehicles’ airbag control modules indicated McFadden was traveling between 49 and 54 mph prior to the accident. In stark contrast, Yuhasz’s speed was estimated to be between 76 and 83 mph — significantly higher than the 55 mph speed limit.
Lycoming County District Attorney Tom Marino pointed out the reckless disregard for safety shown by Yuhasz, leading to his initial decision to charge him as an adult even though he was 17 at the time of the crash. Despite his age, the prosecution described the actions as grossly negligent.
Arguments during the hearing detailed the circumstances under which Yuhasz saw the McFadden vehicle but continued his maneuver, which Deputy Assistant District Attorney Phoebe Yates cited as displaying the sort of recklessness integral to the charges.
Defense attorney Robert Hoffa, however, contended that the situation was a regrettable traffic accident without malice. Hoffa described Yuhasz’s actions as a panicked response to an unexpected situation, emphasizing the lack of intent to cause harm.
One poignant debate focused on whether Yuhasz’s trial should remain in adult court or be transferred to juvenile court, with the latter potentially resulting in less severe penalties. Hoffa plans to argue for the transfer, underlining that Yuhasz was a minor at the time of the incident.
DA Marino expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision to proceed with most of the initial charges and is preparing for the forthcoming trial. He commended Judge Whiteman for his thorough consideration of the evidence and case law brought forward during the hearing.
The case is a stark reminder of the consequences of high-speed driving and risky maneuvers on public roads. It also raises broader questions about youth driving policies and the judicial processes applicable to minors in serious offenses. As the community awaits further developments, the trial’s outcomes could potentially influence local perceptions of road safety and legal accountability for traffic-related offenses.
No trial date has been set, and the decision to move the case to juvenile court will be evaluated by a juvenile court judge in the coming months.