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John Thomas Wadlinger Jr., 32, of Bensalem, admitted guilt to 20 charges, including two counts each of homicide by vehicle while DUI and homicide by vehicle, before Common Pleas Judge C. Theodore Fritsch Jr. on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. Sentencing has been deferred for 60 days while a pre-sentence investigation is completed, court officials said.
Rebecca Whiddon, 33, and her husband Richard Whiddon, 37, both of Brooklyn, CT, were passengers in a Nissan Sentra on Saturday, Feb. 24, when Wadlinger crashed into their car at the intersection of Ford Road and Veterans Highway in Bristol Township, authorities said. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, while the Nissan’s driver and another passenger sustained significant injuries.
Investigation And Guilty Plea
A joint investigation by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, Bristol Township Police Department, and Plumstead Township Police Department revealed that Wadlinger was under the influence of methamphetamine and amphetamine at the time of the crash. He was driving a Ford Explorer eastbound at 73 mph—more than twice the posted speed limit—when he ran a red light and struck the Nissan, which was making a left turn onto Veterans Highway.
After fleeing the scene on foot, Wadlinger allegedly stole a parked dump truck and crashed it soon after, officials said. He fled again on foot but was taken into custody a short time later.
Wadlinger also pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, recklessly endangering another person, accidents involving death or injury, theft by unlawful taking, driving on a suspended license, and fleeing or eluding police, among others.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Christine Sassane and Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bukowski, with testimony from six witnesses, including two accident reconstruction experts.
Remembering The Whiddons
Rebecca and Richard Whiddon were in Bucks County to visit friends, loved ones said.
“Our family is distraught over the utterly senseless theft of their lives, which were fully lived and had everything ahead of them,” Rebecca’s aunt, Julie Bass Divens, wrote on Facebook.
"Rich was the best person I have ever known," said Shannon Barnard, a close friend. "This world will not be the same without him."
Richard was a photographer, graphic designer, and machinist, remembered by friends as a creative spirit and a devoted husband. Rebecca was equally beloved for her warmth and kindness.
The Whiddons’ deaths have left their family and friends grappling with an enormous loss. Sentencing for Wadlinger is expected early next year.
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