‘Huffing’ driver sentenced in fatal crash
The driver of the car who was huffing before she struck two pedestrians, killing one outside Delaware County Memorial Hospital pleaded guilty today to homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault and a drug charge.
The driver of the car who was huffing before she struck two pedestrians, killing one outside Delaware County Memorial Hospital pleaded guilty today to homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault and a drug charge.
Rachael Jankins, 20, of Havertown was sentenced to four-and-a-half to 10 years in prison. She also received six years probation and will have to pay more than $18,000 in restitution.
On Aug. 14, Jankins' car struck Nicole Gallo, 19, of Clifton Heights, and Christine Bochanski, 20, of Lansdowne. Gallo was killed instantly. Bochanski needed surgery for a broken back.
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. 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.