In an update to a story that has gripped the local community, it has been revealed that Richard A. Maleski, the driver of a Serra Catholic school van involved in a fatal crash, tested positive for cocaine. According to TribLive, the crash that occurred on September 20, 2023, also involved two men, William Soliday and Andrew Voigt, who were accused of drag racing. Samantha Kalkbrenner, a 15-year-old student from Serra Catholic High School, was tragically killed in the incident.
Details have emerged thanks to the defense attorneys representing the two men. Records revealed during the legal discovery process show Maleski had cocaine in his urine at the hospital following the crash. However, as noted by WPXI, the van driver has not been charged regarding the crash. The discovery of the cocaine in Maleski's system, which he reportedly said he had not used for five days before the incident, has raised questions about his ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Both defense attorneys, Kevin Chernosky and Casey White are suggesting that Maleski's drug use could be a significant factor in the case. "His credibility is certainly going to come into question, because my understanding is cocaine wouldn’t stay in the system that long," White told TribLive. The legal teams are hoping that this revelation could play a role in reaching a plea agreement, potentially mitigating the charges against Soliday and Voigt.
Yet, despite the findings, the argument persists about the recklessness displayed by Soliday and Voigt. Testimonies and video evidence presented in court showed the two reached speeds upwards of 107 mph before the crash. Soliday's vehicle was the one that made an impact on the van; with the collision being so severe, it resulted in the fatality of the student and injuries to three others. Chernosky, voicing his perspective as a former homicide prosecutor, added that the positive cocaine result would be "a distraction to a jury," according to a statement he gave to TribLive.
Nenita Kalkbrenner, Samantha's mother, expressed the family's distress and their solid commitment to seeking accountability for the actions that led to the loss of their daughter. In a statement obtained by WPXI, she spoke of hurt, disappointment, and betrayal but reaffirmed their dedication to fighting for justice. On the other hand, the District Attorney's office has yet to respond to requests for comments on these latest developments. As it stands, Soliday and Voigt are due for trial before Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Bruce Beemer on January 25.
