EPHRATA, Pa. — An Ephrata woman turned herself in for violating her bail conditions. Bethany C. Gee, 19, was on bail for a previous Homicide by Vehicle charge. Ephrata Police contacted Gee’s family and made arrangements for Gee to turn herself in to police. Gee arrived at Ephrata Police Department on Friday, December 9, 2016. Custody of Gee was transferred to Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department for incarceration.
Gee is charged with causing the death of her passenger in a West Cocalico Township vehicle crash in May.
On May 13, 2016 at 11:41pm, Ephrata Police Department investigated a fatal vehicle crash on East Queen Street just east of King Street in West Cocalico Township. Bethany C. Gee, 19, of Ephrata, lost control of the station wagon she was driving causing the vehicle to strike a wall and roll. A passenger in the vehicle, Stephanie M. Gerola, 20, of Ephrata died as a result of the collision. Three back seat passengers and the driver were treated at local hospitals for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The accident investigation revealed that Gee was speeding on West Queen Street and failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of West Queen Street and King Street. She attempted to maneuver through the intersection and lost control of the vehicle. The Ephrata Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team determined that the speed of Gee’s vehicle when she lost control was 60-68 miles per hours. The speed limit on this roadway is 35 mph.
Toxicology results indicated that Gee was under the influence of marijuana and methamphetamine.
On 9/13/16, Ephrata Police charged Gee with Homicide by Vehicle, Homicide by Vehicle while Driving Under Influence, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Reckless Driving, Driving a Vehicle at a Safe Speed and Duties at Stop Signs. Gee is presumed innocent.
Gee was arraigned by MDJ Hamill and released with substantial bail restrictions / conditions
