PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A Pennsylvania State Police trooper has been found guilty of vehicular homicide in a fiery crash that left a woman dead in Tioga County last year.
A jury found Michael J. Brown guilty on Friday, according to a news release from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office.
Brown was off-duty and on his way to work at the Tioga County barracks when he crashed into a vehicle driven by 47-year-old Christine Woodward on Feb. 11, 2023, the news release said.
The press release stated that Brown was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee westbound when he crossed a double yellow line on Route 6 in Sullivan Township to pass a driver when he struck Woodward’s vehicle. She died on the spot
“We are grateful for the jury’s time and careful deliberation of the facts in this case, which involved the devastating loss of the life of a beloved mother who was also a dedicated teacher,” said Attorney General Michelle Henry in the press release. “To make the tragedy worse, it was completely preventable as the suspect did not have to drive on a rural road with such reckless disregard for the safety of others that cold February evening.”
Brown will remain free on bond until his sentencing, the news release said. Penn Live reported that Brown was suspended without pay after the crash.
According to Penn Live, the maximum sentence for vehicular homicide is seven years.
