Driver in fatal accident at hospital to stand trial
The Delaware County woman who police was allegedly huffing before her car hit and killed a pedestrian in Upper Darby last month will be held for trial on all charges, a judge decided today.
Rachael Jankins, 20, of Havertown, is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter and related offenses, according to court papers.
On Aug. 14, Jankins' car struck Nicole Gallo, 19, of Clifton Heights, and Christine Bochanski, 20, of Lansdowne, outside Delaware County Memorial Hospital.
Gallo was killed instantly. Bochanski needed surgery for a broken back and is recovering.
According to court documents, Jankins told police that at the time of the accident she was distracted while changing a song on her iPod. She admitted to police that she had drunk whiskey and smoked marijuana the night before, according to court documents. Her blood tested positive for marijuana and difluoroethane, a chemical in compressed air used to clean computers.
Contact staff writer Mari A. Schaefer at 610-892-9149 or mschaefer@phillynews.com.
