Connellsville man waives charges in crash that left 3 dead
Alyssa Choiniere | 蘑菇视频
In this Aug. 1 file photo, Fayette County District Attorney Rich Bower holds up a photo of a Ford F-150 that was hit by a tri-axle dump truck on Route 21 in German Township June 18, leaving three people dead. The tri-axle driver, Wilbert James Burnsworth, 36, of Connellsville is facing third-degree murder and related charges in the case.
Burnsworth
A tri-axle dump truck driver, who police said was under the influence of multiple drugs in a crash that killed three people, waived his charges to the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas Thursday.
Wilbert James Burnsworth, 46, of Connellsville entered a general waiver, meaning he did not accept a tentative plea deal in exchange. District Attorney Rich Bower initially asked for a continuance because a key witness was unavailable to testify. Burnsworth, through his attorney, Brent Peck, said he did not want to put the grieving family members through a hearing or another delay.
Family members filled one side of the courtroom, many in tears. Killed in the German Township crash were Hunter Bradee, 4, his aunt, Kayla Nicole Burwell, 20, both of McClellandtown and Bradee蘑菇视频 grandfather, Ronald Burwell Jr., 53, of Uniontown. At about 3:55 p.m. June 18, Burnsworth reportedly crossed into the opposing lane of traffic on Route 21 near Double T Bar & Grill and hit a pickup truck Kayla Burwell was driving. Burnsworth was working for Route 51 Trucking Co. at the time of the crash.
He allegedly had cocaine, fentanyl and norfentanyl in his bloodstream. Police said he fell asleep twice after the crash. A witness told police Burnsworth was driving dangerously before the crash, saying he was speeding and crossing the double yellow line. About two minutes before the crash, a witness called 911 to report the tri-axle weaving in and out of its lane.
Burnsworth appeared to be crying when he was brought into the courtroom.
鈥淢y client does not desire to put the family of the victims 鈥� he is very remorseful 鈥� through further delay,鈥� Peck said. 鈥淗e does not wish to put the family through a preliminary hearing.鈥�
Magisterial District Judge Michael Metros briefly questioned Burnsworth to confirm that. Peck asked several more questions to determine whether Burnsworth was under the influence of drugs or alcohol that would affect his decisions, and whether he was making an informed decision.
鈥淚s there anything else that you wish the court to know?鈥� Peck asked his client.
鈥淚鈥檓 sorry,鈥� Burnsworth said. His chin dropped to his chest, and choked sobs emitted from the victims鈥� side of the courtroom.
He is charged with three counts each of third-degree murder, aggravated assault, homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, DUI, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person and aggravated assault by vehicle, and one count of risking catastrophe. Burnsworth is being held in Fayette County Prison in lieu of $300,000 bond.