EAST LAMPETER TOWNSHIP, Pa.–A former Lancaster County woman charged with vehicular homicide in a crash that killed a 71-year-old woman in March is heading to trial.
Patricia Halgash, 42, formerly of Reinholds, had been drinking at an East Lampeter Township bar on March 3 before she got into her vehicle and headed eastbound on Old Philadelphia Pike, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s office.
Halgash veered into the westbound lane and crashed into a vehicle, killing 71-year-old Sharon Mulhatten, prosecutors said. The victim’s son, 53-year-old Troy Mulhatten was also injured in the crash.
On Friday, Halgash waived her preliminary hearing and will stand trial. She is charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, aggravated assault while driving under the influence and related offenses.
Prosecutors allege Halgash drank between four and six high-alcohol volume beers before she got behind the wheel.
Halgash, who has since moved to Florida, refused a blood-alcohol test following the crash, authorities said. Police learned what Halgash was drinking by going to the bar and interviewing a woman who was there with her. Investigators also checked Halgash’s tab, which showed she was billed for six pints of beer–which had an alcohol volume of 7.5 percent.