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Couple Married 63 Years Killed In Crash Lands High PA Driver Homicide Charge: DA

A Harleysville man is facing homicide by vehicle charges after a DUI crash killed a beloved Hatfield Township couple who had been married for 63 years, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Hatfield Township Police Chief William J. Tierney announced Thursday, Dec. 19.

Michael Lennon

Michael Lennon

Photo Credit: Montgomery County DA

Michael Lennon, 21, was arrested following the June 8, crash at the intersection of Bergey Road and Bethlehem Pike, which left Jaime Burgos, 86, and Eva Burgos, 79, fatally injured, officials said.

The couple, who were married in 1961, were remembered for their devotion to family and their community. Jaime, a former security guard at New York City Hall, spent much of his later years managing rental properties in Brooklyn and enjoying gardening and walks. Eva, a dedicated wife and homemaker, was known for her selflessness and kindness. She loved tending to her many plants, cooking family recipes, and making those around her laugh, according to their obituaries published by Naugle Funeral and Cremation Service.

The crash occurred as Lennon, driving a 2011 Ford Escape, attempted a high-speed turn from Bethlehem Pike, police said. He lost control of his vehicle, striking the Burgos’ Toyota Camry and pushing it onto a nearby property, investigators said. Both Jaime and Eva suffered life-threatening injuries and were rushed to Grand View Hospital, where they later died; Eva on June 25 followed by Jaime on the 27th.

At the scene, Lennon admitted to officers that he had marijuana and a bong in his vehicle, police said. Toxicology results confirmed he was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. A search of Lennon’s vehicle also uncovered medical marijuana containers and a THC vape device, officials added.

Lennon was arraigned on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, before Magisterial District Judge Richard H. Welsh, who set bail at $200,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Edward Levine.

Assistant District Attorney Samantha Cauffman will prosecute the case.

A joint service for Jaime and Eva Burgos was held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Calvary Chapel in Quakertown. They are survived by their children, Lilly Roth and Jaime Burgos Jr.; grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends. The couple was laid to rest at Quakertown Union Cemetery.

This is the second double-fatal crash by a DUI driver that has killed a couple which daily voice has reported on in 24 hours.

Click here to read about the crash that killed engaged parents Christopher Stocker, 44, and Luz Daneza Ruiz Acosta, 43, both of Allentown.

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