Hearing continued in fatal accident
A Merrittstown man police allege struck and killed a Uniontown woman while driving intoxicated in Redstone Township last month said Monday that he never meant to kill anyone and is sorry for his actions.
“I was drinking and it was an accident,” Donald William Lowther said as he was escorted to a police car after a hearing into the accident was continued Monday afternoon. “I didn’t mean to kill no one. I’m very, deeply sorry.”
Redstone Township police said the crash occurred on Route 40 on Dec. 29 near Hatfield Road. Kelly Branson, 21, died in the accident.
Subsequently, police charged Lowther, 40, of 615 Plum St., with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, driving under the influence, reckless driving, careless driving causing unintentional death and failing to drive at a safe speed.
Magisterial District Judge Mike Defino Jr. granted a request for a continuance in the case made by Fayette County Assistant District Attorney J.W. Eddy on Monday afternoon after Eddy noted that investigators are still waiting for blood test results and crash reconstruction to be completed.
A new hearing date has not been set.
Police Sgt. Norman Howard said Branson was killed when Lowther’s car struck her and Adam Branson, also of Uniontown, as they were attempting to change a flat tire on their car.
Howard said the Bransons were wearing green safety vests and were at the rear of their vehicle when they were struck.
A witness told Howard that he saw the Branson’s vehicle on the side of the road with the hazard lights flashing prior to the accident, then saw Lowther’s car strike the two victims who were standing at the rear of the car, causing both of them to be thrown in the air.
Kelly Branson was pronounced dead at the scene from head injuries. Adam Branson suffered serious injuries.
Howard said Lowther admitted to drinking two beers at home prior to the accident and taking prescription medications.
During Monday’s proceedings, Defino denied a bond reduction request by Fayette County Public Defender Susan Ritz-Harper and remanded Lowther to Fayette County Prison on $75,000 straight cash bond.