Autopsy results released
CONNELLSVILLE – A 2-year-old Connellsville girl who was struck and killed by a vehicle driven by her uncle Wednesday died from blunt force trauma to the head and face, according to autopsy results released Friday. Fayette County Deputy Coroner Marisa Springer said the autopsy conducted by Allegheny County forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht on the body of Megan Shipley also revealed basilar skull fractures, right rib fractures and cerebral tears. Springer said the examination also revealed multiple abrasions and contusions.
Springer said the coroner’s office is treating the case as a homicide.
Greg Gibbs, 28, of Connellsville was arraigned Thursday on charges of vehicular homicide, careless driving, reckless driving and speeding before Magisterial District Judge Ronald J. Haggerty Jr.
According to the criminal complaint filed by Connellsville police, Gibbs struck Shipley with his vehicle after entering her parents’ driveway at 331 N. Pittsburgh St. at a speed “that was greater than necessary under the conditions and caused her death as she played in the driveway.”
A neighbor, who did not wish to be identified, said that immediately after the little girl was hit, her mother scooped her up in her arms and carried her to the porch of their home while she waited for an ambulance to arrive.
The girl was taken to Highlands Hospital in Connellsville, where she later died.
According to the criminal complaint, family members Jeff Corteal Jr., Vicki Corteal and Jeff Wildey told police that they were sitting on the porch while the child played in the back yard and driveway.
They also told police that they saw Gibbs pulling into the driveway at a fast speed and they shouted for him to “stop,” but Gibbs ran over Shipley in the driveway.
Connellsville Police Chief Steve Cooper said Gibbs had been cited numerous times for traffic violations beginning in 2000.
Gibbs is being held in the Fayette County Prison on $50,000 bond.
A preliminary hearing has been set for Aug. 22 before Magisterial District Judge Robert Breakiron.
The Brooks Funeral Home in Connellsville is handling funeral arrangements.