SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — State police say charges have been filed against a Somerset man following a months-long investigation into a double-fatal, head-on crash that claimed the life of a 17-year-old and his passenger.
Troopers say the teen, Talan Marva, and 20-year-old Rachel Maldonado were pronounced dead at the scene of a two-vehicle crash, just after midnight on August 12th, along South Edgewood Ave. in Somerset Township.
Investigators say the teen was driving a Chevrolet Sonic when he was struck head-on by a pickup truck, driven by Braxton Judy, now age 22.
Troopers noted that Judy's vehicle reportedly smelled of alcohol and multiple field sobriety tests were conducted.
Upon further questioning, police say Judy claimed that he was traveling approximately 55-60 mph at the time of the crash and was rounding a curve when he noticed the other vehicle in his lane.
Police say Judy stated that he lost control and struck the Chevy Sonic head-on.
According to the affidavit, police say a crash investigation determined that Judy was traveling over 90 mph, just prior to the crash, and had "slowed" to 65-70 mph at the time of the impact.
Troopers noted that South Edgewood Ave. has a posted speed limit of 35 mph and the crash investigation also reportedly determined that the teen was traveling well below the speed limit at the time of the collision.
Investigators say an autopsy determined that the victims suffered multiple blunt force trauma injuries to their head, neck and extremities.
Police did note in the affidavit that Judy's BAC was .026%, which is below the legal limit.
According to online court records, Judy was arraigned Monday on a variety of charges, including homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter.
Somerset County bureau of investigation detective James Gregg said it took over seven months for charges to be filed because state police did a crash reconstruction, gathered electronic evidence tracking the speed of the cars, and took their time looking at other evidence.
He has been released on unsecured bail.
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