by Alex Lloyd Gross
John Thomas Wadlinger Jr., of Bensalem, took responsibility for causing the deaths of Rebecca Whiddon, 33, and Richard Whiddon, 37, both of Brooklyn, Conn. on February 24, 2024 of this year. The crash happened at the intersection of Veterans Highway and Ford Road.
After slamming into their car, Wadlinger ran away before stealing a dump truck and then crashing that less than a quarter mile down the road, after he became confused on how to operate the truck.
Emergency News Network photo- The crash scene
Wadlinger entered an open plea before Common Pleas Judge C. Theodore Fritsch, Jr. to 20 counts, including two counts each of homicide by vehicle while DUI and homicide by vehicle. He also plead guilty to aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle, recklessly endangering another person, accidents involving death or injury, accidents involving death or injury while not properly licensed, driving under the influence, fleeing or eluding police, evading arrest or detention, theft by unlawful taking, criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving on a suspended license, defiant trespassing, reckless driving and driving at unsafe speeds, court officials said.
He will be sentenced in 60 days.