A Shippensburg woman is facing serious charges after a two-vehicle crash in Franklin County left a man dead late Sunday night, according to court documents and investigators. The collision happened at the intersection of Molly Pitcher Highway and Mount Rock Road in Southampton Township. Authorities say the driver was taken into custody after she allegedly admitted to using illegal drugs earlier in the day.
The arrest and charges
Megan Marie Oliphant, 39, of Shippensburg, has been charged with homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle and multiple traffic offenses, court documents show. As reported by Fox43, she has been denied bail and is being held in the county jail while a preliminary hearing is set for June 2, 2026. Prosecutors allege the crash happened as Oliphant turned left onto Mount Rock Road and a Dodge struck a white BMW that was traveling north on Molly Pitcher Highway.
Where she is being held
The Franklin County Jail on Opportunity Avenue in Chambersburg houses people who are awaiting trial in local courts. The county's site lists contact and visitation information for the facility. Oliphant remains in custody there while the case moves through the local court system.
What investigators say
According to court paperwork and reporting, Oliphant told police she had snorted methamphetamine around noon on the day of the crash and had smoked marijuana before driving. She told officers she was heading south on Molly Pitcher Highway and turned left onto Mount Rock Road, saying she did not see the oncoming vehicle. A witness told investigators the Dodge was "sitting in the middle" of the road before it struck the BMW. Police say the BMW's driver, identified as John Witmer, was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead just before 1:30 a.m. the next day. These details are reported by Fox43.
What the charges mean
Under Pennsylvania law, homicide by vehicle is a third-degree felony when a driver, acting recklessly or with gross negligence, causes a death while violating traffic laws. State statutes also allow for tougher penalties in certain situations, such as when an offense happens in an active work zone or along with other violations. For the statutory language, see the Pennsylvania vehicle code at FindLaw.
Next steps in the case
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 2, 2026, when a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence for the charges to move forward. If the case is held for court, it will go to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for arraignment and additional proceedings. Future hearing dates and any motions from the defense or prosecution will be reflected in local court filings and the county clerk's calendar.
