Driver In Fatal Car Accident Charged With Third Degree Murder

Filed under: Criminal Law by Contributor @ December 20, 2012

A car crash that occurred on Route 611 in Doylestown the night before Thanksgiving should serve as a warning for others. Drew Bodden, 37, was driving his Ford Mustang Cobra at least 142 miles per hour that night when he allegedly slammed into a Honda CRV with two people inside. The 9 year-old passenger in the CRV, Holly Huynh, was pronounced dead at the scene. Bodden, who had no drugs or alcohol in his system, has been charged with third-degree murder.

In addition to Holly’s death, the driver of the CRV, Suzanne Berry, was injured and airlifted to Temple University Hospital in “extremely critical” condition. Bodden’s girlfriend, Christine Mokrynchuk, was also injured and taken to Abington Memorial Hospital. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle for these injuries. He has also been charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, speeding, and three counts of recklessly endangering another person.

Normally, a car crash resulting in a death would not warrant murder charges, even if the person responsible was speeding. At most, the individual would be charged with manslaughter or homicide by vehicle. This case is different, however, as Bodden was flying down the road at more than twice the speed limit. The Bucks County District Attorney alleged that Bodden’s driving showed “a complete indifference to human life”, hence the murder charge. Third-degree murder is punishable by up to 40 years in prison, and each aggravated assault by vehicle charge is punishable by up to 7 years in prison, for a possible 54 year prison sentence if convicted on all three counts. Bodden’s actions should serve as a warning to others that this kind of conduct can result in murder charges. Read more about car accidents here.

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