BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Randy D. Donato has pleaded guilty in connection with a fatal DUI crash that occurred nearly a year ago in Bethlehem Township.
Donato has been sentenced to 4 to 10 years for the charge of Homicide by Vehicle While DUI and DUI: Highest Rate of Alcohol, according to Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta.
Officials say on Jan. 5, police were operating a marked patrol vehicle in the area of William Penn Highway and Chipman Road when they observed a single-vehicle accident involving a car that had collided with a tree line on the north side of William Penn Highway.
Two people were discovered in the vehicle. The driver was Randy D. Donato, and the vehicle’s passenger was Nicole Danielle Guzman. Guzman was unresponsive to emergency responders and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to Bethlehem Township police.
Donato was transported to the nearest hospital, where he was treated for his injuries sustained from the crash.
Officers from the Bethlehem Township Police Department met Donato at the hospital and began investigating the incident. During the investigation, officers discovered a flask on Donato’s person, as well as two beer bottle caps and a 22 fl. oz. Guinness bottle inside his vehicle, police said.
An analysis of Donato’s blood showed a BAC level of .208%. As a result, Donato was charged with Homicide by Vehicle While DUI, DUI: Highest Rate of Alcohol, and related DUI offenses.
On Sept. 29, Donato pleaded guilty to Homicide by Vehicle While DUI and DUI: Highest Rate of Alcohol, according to the release.
Officials say on Nov. 25, Judge Morganelli sentenced Donato to 4 to 10 years.