(WNY News Now) – Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 18-year-old Dylan J. Wiza of Williamsville was this morning before Hamburg Town Court Justice Gerald P. Gorman on one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “C” felony), one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) and one count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Class “E” felony). Wiza was also charged with two Vehicle and Traffic Law violations for failure to yield to the right of way and crossing a highway divider.
Justin T. Trane, 29, of Lewiston was arraigned last week before Hamburg Town Court Justice Carl W. Morgan on one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree and two counts of Driving While Intoxicated (unclassified misdemeanors). Trane was also charged with two Vehicle and Traffic Law violations for speeding and passing through a red light.
photo by: Erie County | District Attorney
It is alleged that on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Town of Hamburg Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of McKinley Parkway and Quinby Drive. A Chevrolet Express van, allegedly operated by Justin T. Trane, was traveling northbound on McKinley Parkway when the collision occurred with a Subaru Forrester, allegedly driven by Dylan J. Wiza, as the vehicle exited a parking lot and entered the northbound lane on McKinley Drive.
Trane, the only occupant of the Chevrolet Express van, was transported to ECMC where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Wiza was also transported to ECMC where he was treated for injuries to his head, face and pelvis. The front seat passenger of the Subaru, a 16-year-old female, was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children’s Hospital where she was treated for a concussion and lacerations. The rear passenger, a 15-year-old female, was unresponsive when paramedics arrived at the scene. The victim was transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital where she later died from the injuries.
photo by: Erie County | District Attorney
Both defendants are accused of contributing to the collision that resulted in the death of the passenger. Trane, who is accused of being under the influence of alcohol, was allegedly traveling at a high-rate of speed when he drove through a red light the intersection at Quinby Drive. Wiza, who is accused of being under the influence of cannabis, was allegedly traveling southwest out of the parking lot and crossed into the northbound lane to enter the intersection. While executing a search warrant, investigators allegedly found a quantity of suspected cannabis and various drug paraphernalia inside of the Subaru allegedly driven by Wiza.
Wiza is scheduled to return on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on bail set at $5,000 cash or bond. Trane is scheduled to return on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. for a felony hearing. He released on his own recognizance.
If convicted of the highest charge, Wiza faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. If convicted of the highest charge, Trane faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Town of Hamburg Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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