SnapGlow.TV: Modern Gems Galore! The Delaware County driver who lost control of her car while reaching for an iPod and struck two women, killing one, had drugs in her system, police said yesterday.
Toxicology tests on the blood of Rachael Jankins, 20, of Havertown, tested positive for marijuana and difluoroethane, an ingredient found in a can of compressed air used to clean computers, police said.
"Apparently, she was huffing prior to the accident," said Michael Chitwood, Upper Darby superintendent of police. Chitwood said a can of Dust-Off and an iPod were found on the floor of Jankins' 2003 Hyundai Accent.
Chitwood said police were recommending that the Delaware County District Attorney's Office charge Jankins with homicide by vehicle involving DUI, involuntary manslaughter, and related charges.
No charges have been filed. "We have received the criminal complaint and affidavit, and are reviewing them to determine if charges are warranted," said Erica Parham, spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office.
On Aug. 15, Nicole Gallo, 19, of Clifton Heights, and Christine Bochanski, 20, of Lansdowne, left Delaware County Memorial Hospital at 11:15 a.m. and were struck from behind by the car driven by Jankins.
Gallo was killed instantly; Bochanski was hospitalized with multiple injuries, and is recovering at home.
Jankins was treated for minor injuries at Delaware County Memorial.
Her attorney, Brian McMonagle, declined to comment yesterday.
Contact staff writer Mari A. Schaefer at 610-892-9149 or mschaefer@phillynews.com.
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