A Philadelphia man charged with a fatal May crash in Yeadon involving a 63-year-old Upper Darby woman has waived his preliminary hearing.
Courage Baker, 19, is charged with homicide by vehicle, careless driving resulting in unintentional death and traffic offenses for the May 14 crash that claimed the life of Desiree Maud Williams.
The victim was waiting at a bus stop at South Lansdowne and Lincoln avenues at approximately 5:40 p.m. when she was struck by a vehicle allegedly operated by the defendant.
Baker was arrested in July following an investigation by Yeadon Sgt. Nicholas Tokonitz and county Detective James Reardon.
He had been scheduled for a preliminary hearing last week before Magisterial District Judge W. Keith Williams II, but entered a straight waiver of all charges.
Baker, represented by defense counsel Jonathan Sobel, remains in custody at the county jail in Concord in lieu of 10% of $1 million bail.
He is next scheduled for formal arraignment Aug. 26 at the County Courthouse in Media. Assistant District Attorney Domenique Aguirre is prosecuting.
Yeadon Police Chief Henry Giammarco previously praised the collaborative investigative efforts of his department and the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division that led to the arrest.
“This arrest demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together with a shared commitment to justice and public safety,” Giammarco said in a news release. “Through strong partnerships, diligent investigative work, and a common purpose, we are able to hold individuals accountable while serving the citizens of our communities.”
Giammarco reminded the public that careless driving can impact victims and the driver, and asked the community to keep the family and loved ones of Desiree Williams in their thoughts and prayers as they continue to cope with this loss.
“Dangerous and reckless driving has devastating consequences,” he said. “One careless decision can forever change the lives of innocent families.”
Daily Times reporter Pete Bannan contributed to this story.