Two Men Ordered to Stand Trial in Deadly Pennsylvania School Van Collision

Two men accused of involvement in a street racing incident resulting in a deadly crash with a school van in western Pennsylvania have been ordered to stand trial. The crash, which occurred on September 20 in Dravosburg, resulted in the death of 15-year-old Samantha Lee Kalkbrenner, a student of Serra Catholic High School. Three other students and two adults were also injured in the collision. The Allegheny County police allege that the two men, who worked at the same nearby location, were engaged in a race at the time of the crash, with the first car believed to have been traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

Charges Upheld and Dismissed

Allegheny County District Judge Kate Lovelace upheld all 15 charges against 43-year-old William Soliday II of North Huntingdon, including homicide, recklessly endangering another person, illegal racing, and reckless driving. Soliday, who has been held without bail, wept in the courtroom before being taken back to jail. On the other hand, the only felony charge against the second man, 37-year-old Andrew Voigt of Penn Hills, was dismissed, as well as a charge of failing to stop and render aid. However, Voigt will stand trial for other charges, including five misdemeanor counts of reckless endangering.

Witnesses and Defense Arguments

During the hearing, prosecutors presented testimony from three other drivers who claimed to have witnessed the men speeding. Additionally, videos of the crash, including footage from a dashboard camera, were played by the prosecution. Despite the evidence, defense attorneys for the two men denied the allegations of racing. Attorney David Shrager, representing Voigt, argued that his client was not involved in a race or the subsequent crash. Similarly, Soliday’s attorney, Casey White, contended that there was no evidence of a race and suggested that Voigt may have been chasing his client. White also argued for the dismissal of the homicide charge, asserting that there was no intent or malice involved. Deputy District Attorney Brian Catanzarite countered this by stating that intent was not a requirement and that the defendant's driving behavior demonstrated a conscious disregard for the high risk of death or serious injury faced by others.

The Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The outcome of this tragic incident remains the subject of ongoing legal proceedings as the case advances to trial. The prosecution's assertion that the defendant's actions displayed a conscious disregard for the safety of others will likely be a focal point in the trial. The tragic loss of a young life and the injuries sustained by multiple individuals serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of reckless driving behavior. The trial will provide an opportunity for a thorough examination of the events leading up to the collision and a determination of accountability for the resulting consequences.