Rosemary Manuel killed in head on crash by DWI driver
From (WBNG Binghamton)
A drunk driver has been charged with killing another driver in a head-on crash.
Richard Leighton, 69, of Monroeton, is accused of driving under the influence on March 13, and killing Rosemary Manuel, 64 of Dushore.
According to Pennsylvania State Police in Towanda, Leighton was driving North on state route 220 when he crossed into the southbound lane, and struck Manuel’s car head on.
Manuel died from her injuries.
Leighton was charged with homicide by motor vehicle while DUI, DUI, vehicle turning left, careless driving, reckless driving, and restraint systems. He is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing.
From The Daily Review:
The Bradford County Coroner’s Office ruled that the cause of Manuel’s death was “blunt force traumatic chest injuries,” according to the state police at Towanda.
Leighton told police that he had drunk five beers prior to the accident, according to a criminal complaint that the state police filed against Leighton on Thursday in Towanda District Court.
A first responder from Memorial Hospital’s ambulance service, Anthony Ferrone, told the state police that Leighton had told him that “he had six beers prior to the crash,” according to the criminal complaint.
A blood test revealed that Leighton’s blood alcohol content on the day of the accident was .160 percent, state police at Towanda said.
Leighton was charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence because, while driving under the influence of alcohol, he had unintentionally caused Manuel’s death, Bradford County District Attorney Dan Barrett said. ….MORE
OBITUARY: Rosemary Kathryn Manuel, age 66, of Dushore, PA died on Thursday, March 13, 2014 as a result of an automobile accident in Monroeton, PA at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA with her loving family at her side. Rosemary was born March 8, 1948 a daughter of the late John Henry & Kathryn Allen Brown. She attended the NE Bradford High School. She began working in a dress factory in Sayre, PA. She married George H. Manuel of Mildred, PA on September 28, 1968. After raising her family she worked as a cook at the Freidenshutten, Pepper Shaker, Bishop’s and the Ram Zone restaurants. Rosemary was a loving spouse, mother and grandmother. She was an excellent cook, and enjoyed computer games, sewing, knitting and especially her jewelry collection.
