Chad Campbell sentenced to 12 years in prison for DUI homicide in deaths of motorcyclists Joseph Lorelli & Traci Chapman in his DUI hell-ride at 96 mph
JEFFERSON, OHIO — Ashtabula County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas A. Iarocci reports that on February 12, 2016, Chad Wyatt Campbell was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison as a result of being convicted of two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, each of which is a felony of the second degree, and one count of operating a Vehicle under the Influence, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Campbell also had his driver’s license revoked for the balance of his lifetime.
This case stems from the tragic crash which occurred on June 21, 2015 on State Road in Plymouth Township when Campbell, who was driving substantially in excess of the posted speed limit at an estimated speed of 96 MPH shortly before impact and who was significantly under the influence of alcohol at the time, failed to yield to a motorcycle turning left.
The accident resulted in the deaths of Joseph Patrick Lorelli and Tracy L. Chapman, occupants of the motorcycle. Campbell, who had no prior criminal or traffic record prior to this incident, faced a minimum of four years and a maximum of sixteen years in prison as a result of the convictions.
“The unfortunate and tragic deaths of Mr. Lorelli and Ms. Chapman represent two of the six traffic fatalities that occurred in Ashtabula County in 2015”, according to Nicholas A. Iarocci, Ashtabula County Prosecuting Attorney. “Three families have been devastated by Campbell’s exercise of poor judgment, and he will now have 12 years in prison to think about this catastrophe and the lives that were lost as a result of his actions every minute of every day.”
The State of Ohio was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Robert C. Jeffries and the Defendant was represented by David per Due in this proceeding held before Judge Gary L. Yost who handed down the sentence.
Iarocci commended the Ohio State Highway Patrol for what he said was responsible for the thorough and outstanding investigation that resulted in the subject convictions and sentence.
Coward Campbell fled the scene and left his victims to die on the roadway
From Star-Beacon
A preliminary investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol said both vehicles were traveling north on State Road near Garrison Road in Plymouth Township when the crash occurred. The motorcycle was about to turn onto Garrison Road when Campbell’s vehicle slammed into it from behind. Lorelli and Chapman were thrown from the bike and the unmanned motorcycle continued off of the left side of the road and landed in a ditch.
Keith Stewart of the Ashtabula County Coroner’s office said Sunday that the truck rolled numerous times off the road after striking the motorcycle, but Campbell was not seriously injured.
Campbell reportedly fled the scene on foot after the accident and was later apprehended by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. …MORE
Joseph P. Lorelli, 51
Canfield – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at noon on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at St. Christine Church in Youngstown for Joseph P. Lorelli, 51, who passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2015 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident with longtime friend Tracy who held a special place in his heart. Joseph was born November 27, 1963 in Youngstown, the son of Patrick and Elaine (Cellio) Lorelli. Joseph was a licensed mortgage broker in Florida and was also a carpenter, machinist and trained tool grinder. He most recently was employed by Boak and Sons. Joseph was a fun loving and free spirited person who enjoyed outdoor sporting especially snowmobiling, motorcycling, boating and deep sea fishing with his brothers in Florida. Joseph will always be lovingly remembered by his parents, Patrick and Elaine Lorelli of Canfield, three brothers, Dr. Anthony (Michele) Lorelli of North Palm Beach Fl., Thomas (Nancy) Lorelli of Royal Palm Beach, Fl., and James Lorelli of Canfield; five nieces, Corinna, Stephanie, Carli, Julia and Samantha Lorelli of Florida; and five nephews, Jimmy, Patrick, Christopher and Tommy Lorelli of Canfield, and Russell Griffin of Florida; and step-grandfather, Albert Morell of Poland. He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Wery and Fannie Cellio and paternal grandparents, Joseph Lorelli and Louise Lorelli Morell. Friends may call on Friday, June 26, 2015 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman. Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Joseph’s family.
Tracy Louise Chapman
ASHTABULA — Tracy Louise Chapman, age 51, of Ashtabula, died early Sunday morning, June 21, 2015, as a result of a tragic accident.
She was born June 19, 1964, in Mildenhall, Suffolk, England, the daughter of Cynthia Santfant and step-daughter of Stephen Santfant. Tracy graduated from Chaney High School in 1982 and received her degree in nursing (RN) from Kent State University. Later she received her Bachelors Degree (BSN).
Tracy worked at the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland from 2001 to the present time. Aside from being a nurse, she was also a clinical instructor for nursing students, working through the Cleveland Clinic and the Metro Health System.
Tracy loved first and foremost her daughters and her family, she also loved her dogs and all animals and traveling with the girls anywhere there was sun and sand, she enjoyed gardening and was very involved with her daughters’ school activities, Tracy had many friends and never had anything bad to say about anyone.
Survivors include her daughters, Taylor and Nicole Chapman, both at home; her mother and step-father, Cynthia and Stephen Santfant of Girard Ohio; brothers, Glen and Justin (Robin); step-sister, Tiffany; nephews, Callum, Nicholas, Christopher and Matthew; half-sister, Ambe; Aunt Linda and Uncle Pip whom she was very close to; and many cousins in England and Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lanny Berger.
Funeral Services will be held 4 p.m., Saturday, June 27th, at GUERRIERO FUNERAL HOME, 1550 W. 19th St., Ashtabula, with Pastor Kenneth Roberts officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family.