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Tow truck driver to stand trial on vehicular homicide charge
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A district judge today ordered a tow truck driver from Point Breeze to stand trial on vehicular homicide and other charges stemming from a crash in Penn Hills last month that killed a Plum mother and seriously injured her 9-year-old son.
District Judge David J. Barton held Duane Woodson, 50, for court on 17 counts, including involuntary manslaughter, accidents involving death or personal injury, reckless driving, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, and aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence.
Responding police officers said they could smell alcohol on his breath when they questioned him after the May 12 crash in which 45-year-old Christine Beilstein was killed.
Police believe the tow truck was heading south on Milltown Road when it crossed over the yellow line into the northbound lane.
Ms. Beilstein attempted to avoid the truck, but the vehicles collided nearly head-on, according to police.
Mr. Woodson, whose license was suspended, at first ran from the scene but was driven back by a witness. He remains in the Allegheny County Jail.
First Published June 1, 2012 3:25 pm
