48°
Khaliym Smith, 22, of Pottstown, was found standing outside his overturned Jeep Wrangler in Upper Providence around 2:30 a.m. on Feb 12, according to charging documents from the District Attorney's Office.
Maya Garner, 22, was found dead a short distance away, and GIvonah “Gigi” Mitchell, 23, was taken to Penn Presbyterian Hospital where she died from her injuries, authorities said.
The women, both of Philadelphia, were backseat passengers in Smith's Jeep along with Smith's sister and another man, prosecutors said. All three survivors were eventually hospitalized in critical condition.
Investigators believe Smith was driving some 80 mph west on Route 422 when his Jeep left the road and traveled over the grass median separating the highway from South Collegeville Road.
The Jeep rolled over into South Collegeville Road and slid across on its roof, flipping over a final concrete barrier and ejecting all five occupants, authorities said.
According to the criminal complaint, Smith told first responders at the scene that he "had no recollection of the crash" and could not remember if he was driving.
Smith's sister told first responders that he was the driver, and DNA linked to him was found in the Jeep's driver seat, prosecutors said. Also recovered from the vehicle were a black "ghost gun" with an extended magazine, a digital scale, and marijuana, police said.
At Paoli Hospital after the crash, Smith's blood allegedly tested positive for THC. An inspection of Jeep's "black box" revealed no mechanical issues that could have led to the wreck, authorities added.
The 22-year-old was charged with homicide by vehicle, DUI, and related counts and surrendered to police on Friday, Dec. 22, the DA's Office said.
Smith's bond was set at $100,000 with the condition that he not drive, and court records show he posted bail the same day of his arrest. He is scheduled to reappear in court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 6.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Lehigh and receive free news updates.
