LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — A Lebanon County man has been found guilty of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, among other charges.
According to the Lebanon County Office of the District Attorney, on Jan. 16, 2021, Melissa Morrissey was killed when Vincent Sosnowski, 41, took to the road with a blood alcohol content of .135%. He crashed through a large, downed tree that had fallen across U.S. Route 422 in North Cornwall Township.
Sosnowski, traveling over 25 miles above the posted speed limit, crashed through the tree without breaking, causing a large limb from the tree to shoot through the front windshield.
Morrissey, seated in the front passenger seat, was struck by the limb on the left side of her face. She died from her injuries at the scene.
Sosnowski was found guilty of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter and two counts of DUI. He was previously convicted of DUI in 2016 after crashing into the drive-thru of a fast-food restaurant and fleeing the scene.
Sosnowski's sentencing has been set for March 27, 2024. He will face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
