A Pennsylvania man is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say he struck a pedestrian with his SUV and fled the scene, leaving the victim dead in the street. Investigators say the impact was so powerful that it threw the woman into the air and scattered her belongings across the roadway.
Pennsylvania Man Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run
Charles Edward Wright, 37, has been charged with multiple offenses following a deadly crash that killed Veronica Herling, 43, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
According to court records, Wright faces several charges, including:
- Murder
- Homicide by vehicle
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Recklessly endangering another person
The charges stem from a Nov. 1, 2024 hit-and-run crash that occurred early in the morning on Levick Street.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Charles Edward Wright |
| Age | 37 |
| Victim | Veronica Herling |
| Victim Age | 43 |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Date of Crash | Nov. 1, 2024 |
| Vehicle | Black Nissan Murano |
| Charges | Murder, homicide by vehicle, manslaughter |
Victim Thrown 20 Feet by Impact
According to investigators, the crash happened at about 2:15 a.m. while Herling was crossing Levick Street.
Police say Wright was driving a black Nissan Murano when he struck the woman with extreme force.
Authorities reported that the impact:
- Threw Herling approximately 20 feet into the air
- Sent her body landing about a block away from the point of impact
- Knocked her sneakers off her feet
- Scattered jewelry across the roadway
Emergency responders arrived shortly afterward, but Herling was pronounced dead at the scene.
Driver Fled the Scene
After the crash, the driver did not stop to help the victim.
Police said the SUV was last seen traveling south on Torresdale Avenue after turning from Levick Street.
Investigators also noted that the vehicle had a temporary Virginia paper license tag, which helped officers track the suspect.
Authorities later identified Wright as the alleged driver.
Area Known for Dangerous Driving
Residents in the neighborhood say the intersection where the crash occurred has long been dangerous.
A local neighbor told reporters that drivers often speed through the area after crossing the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, where the speed limit drops significantly.
According to the resident:
- Drivers often travel at 40 mph or faster
- The speed limit quickly drops to 25 mph in the neighborhood
- Several crashes have occurred in the same location
Community members say speeding vehicles have been a recurring safety issue.
Police Investigation and Arrest
During the investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department released a grainy surveillance image of the suspected driver.
Authorities initially described the suspect as a man with facial hair before eventually identifying Wright.
Investigators later connected him to the vehicle involved in the fatal collision.
Court Proceedings Begin
Wright appeared in court for a preliminary arraignment on Wednesday.
He is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on March 23, where prosecutors will present evidence in the case.
If convicted on the most serious charges, Wright could face a lengthy prison sentence.
