New details emerge of deadly Chester County joyride

It may have seemed like innocent summer fun for the four teens at the sleepover: sneak out of the house in the middle of the night and go for a joyride in a high-powered sports car.

But the driver, 16-year-old Montgomery Wood, didn't even have his learner's permit.

Those were among the details that police disclosed Friday about the Chester County crash that killed Wood and a friend, Brittany Leger, 15. Two other passengers, Damien Paterno and Cameron Merlino, both also 15, were injured.

Paterno remained hospitalized. Police said he was in a coma. Merlino was released from the hospital on Thursday.

The teens were at a sleepover at Wood's house in Honey Brook Township on July 16 when they decided to take the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for a middle-of-the-night spin, said State Trooper Corey S. Monthei. Wood's parents did not know he took the car out, and contrary to earlier reports, he had neither a driver's license nor a learner's permit, Monthei said.

With Wood at the wheel and Leger beside him, the four sped up and down Beaver Dam Road. The high-powered "Evo," as it is known among fans, "is turbocharged, boisterous, and ready to lay down rubber on a racetrack," according to the car review site Edmonds.com.

At 3:10 a.m., the car crossed over the eastbound lane and hit a tree, then spun into a utility pole, police said.

Wood, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Leger was taken to Brandywine Hospital, where she died.

Merlino suffered a broken arm and leg. Paterno is in Reading Hospital and Medical Center, according to Monthei. Neither was wearing a seat belt.

Police have said no alcohol was involved.

Wood and Paterno were both members of Boy Scout Troop 37 in Elverson, which was taking up a collection for Wood's family on its website, www.scout37.org/scout