Bucks County DWI Murder Case Closed
Bucks County local Louis Gene Demora was sentenced on Monday to 17 to 40 years in state prison for an incident dating back to December 2016. The event in question was a violent motor vehicle collision which took place on Shadyside Avenue in Croydon. 22 year old Jenna Richards was driving her 2001 Nissan Sentra when she was struck by Demora’s 1998 GMC Jimmy as he traveled an estimated 75 M.P.H. over the posted speed limit. Richards was pronounced dead at the scene of the crime.
Today, our Bucks County personal injury attorneys will discuss the details of this horrific motor vehicle crash and how a civil suit for wrongful death in this and other scenarios may be available for the families of lost loved ones.
Bucks County Drunk Driving Injury Discuss the Details of the Case
Before her tragic death, Richards was on her way to the gym and had only made it three blocks from her residence. Due to the speed of Demora’s vehicle, which authorities say was nearly 100 miles per hour, it is unlikely she had any time to react to the dangerous situation. Demora was under the influence of dangerous controlled substances including cocaine and heroin. Authorities believe that his actions were that of an individual who wished to harm himself and others, and that his actions were deliberate.
Demora has been found guilty of third degree murder, vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide while under the influence, driving under the influence of controlled substances, speeding, and reckless driving. He had a history of drug crimes and substance abuse issues dating back many years. In the past, Demora had attended drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs and courses in an effort to get himself clean.
Richards had just graduated from Holy Family University in Northeast Philadelphia. During her high school and college years, she earned All-Catholic honors four consecutive years as a soccer player at Conwell-Egan High before continuing her playing career at Holy Family. In college, Richards carried a 3.93 GPA and was selected three times to the CACC All-Academic team. Her mother, Donna Richards remembers her as being “a healthy, athletic, intelligent, beautiful person who had a smile for everyone she met.”
Northeast Philadelphia Wrongful Death Lawyers: Potential Personal Injury Claim
In the face of tragedy, money hardly seems like a priority. Our Northeast Philadelphia lawyers understand that for the families of loved ones who have been lost, no amount of financial compensation can make things right. Although it will never be the same, life does go on. In the case of Jenna Richards, the evidence would point to a successful personal injury claim against Demora for her wrongful death.
In New Jersey, “wrongful death” is defined as a death which was the direct result of the negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act by another party. Essentially, wrongful death claims are personal injury claims where the victim is not able to speak for themselves. Wrongful death suits are frequently filed in concurrence with criminal proceedings, although the two verdicts are considered separately.
However, in the case we are discussing today, Demora’s criminal convictions would certainly be considered as evidence in a wrongful death claim. The crimes of reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence are considered reckless and/or negligence in Civil Court. Spouses, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and any other defendants of the deceased may file wrongful death claims to recover compensation for damages including loss of companionship, loss of income, funeral expenses, medical expenses, and more.
Contact our Bensalem Wrongful Death Personal Injury Attorneys Today
The wrongful death personal injury attorneys of Cohen & Riechelson have been practicing personal injury law since opening their doors in 1972. Our firm has a rich history of protecting our clients’ legal rights while seeking full and fair compensation for themselves and their families in local Pennsylvania towns including Levittown, Bensalem, Feasterville, Northeast Philadelphia, Millbrook, and all of Bucks County.
If you have suffered the tragic loss of a family member due to the reckless or negligence of another party, allow our legal team to offer our services to try and cover expenses so you and your family can focus on what matters most. Contact us online or through our Bensalem offices by calling (215) 337-4915 today for a free and confidential consultation.