Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A Whitemarsh Township woman, Jennifer Ann Parker, was sentenced to 3½ to 10 years in the State Correctional Institution at Muncy for a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a man in Norristown. The tragic incident took place on the evening of February 17, 2023, when Parker struck and killed Anthony Jonello while he was crossing a township roadway.
The Sentencing
During the sentencing in Montgomery County Court, Judge Risa Vetri Ferman addressed Parker, highlighting her failure to stop, render aid, or call 911 after hitting Jonello. The sentence included the three-year mandatory term for hit-and-run involving death, with an additional six months added for Parker’s deceptive behavior when questioned by police.
The Conviction
A jury convicted Parker of accidents involving death, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence of marijuana during a three-day trial in January. She also received a consecutive sentence for the DUI charge.
The Impact on Jonello’s Family
Jonello’s family members, including his sister Jill Caruso and daughter Lily, expressed their grief in court, remembering Jonello as a kind and sentimental man who loved gummy candy, grape soda, and deep-sea fishing. Lily shared the pain of missing her father’s presence in important moments of her life.
The Apology
Despite the remorse expressed by Parker in a brief statement, the judge denied her request for a delay in reporting to prison. Sheriff’s deputies immediately took Parker into custody to begin serving her sentence.
The Investigation
Whitemarsh police responded to the hit-and-run pedestrian crash on Butler Pike, where Jonello was found unresponsive with severe injuries. Parker’s black Honda Pilot, with front-end damage and fabric matching Jonello’s vest, was stopped near the scene.
The Aftermath
Subsequent blood tests revealed metabolites of marijuana in Parker’s system. The investigation also found evidence, including a flashlight similar to Jonello’s, in Parker’s vehicle, indicating the nature of the impact.
Video Surveillance
Video footage from various sources captured Parker’s actions post-crash, including taking photos of her damaged vehicle at a shopping center. The investigation pieced together Jonello’s movements before the collision.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Anthony Jonello serves as a reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions on the road. Parker’s sentencing reflects the severity of hit-and-run incidents and the need for drivers to prioritize safety and accountability.
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