x
Breaking News
More () »

New Details in Deadly Hit and Run Case

BUCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP — Court papers are providing new insight into the investigation of a deadly hit and run in Wayne County. The driver who hit and killed...

BUCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP -- Court papers are providing new insight into the investigation of a deadly hit and run in Wayne County.

The driver who hit and killed a young man Friday night may be the victim's cousin.

On Monday, troopers were back at the scene on Route 191 in Buckingham Township near the New York state line. Investigators were driving the same path taken Friday night by the vehicle that killed a 19-year-old volunteer firefighter.

Zachary Possemato of Hancock, NY died after a vehicle hit him while he was walking back home from a smoke-shop on the PA side.

A 10-year-old friend was with him.

"We were talking, then when the truck came, I moved over, and before I could say his name so he could move, he was already hit," said Robby Vessecchia.

Robby is still shaken by the hit and run crash that troopers said threw the victim, Possemato, 30-to-40 yards.

The boy told police it was a white pickup truck with yellow lights, according to court papers. Surveillance video from the smoke shop showed a truck driving by at the time of Friday's night's crash.

The next morning, the owner of a white pickup came to state police, saying he thought he hit a deer on the drive home to PA. Troopers filed search warrants and seized Jason Day's truck and impounded at the barracks near Honesdale.

State police also took blood samples from Day who told troopers he is Possemato's cousin. Court papers indicate that Day admitted to having four 16-ounce beers before driving that night and smelled of alcohol the next day.

The coroner ruled Possemato's death a homicide by vehicle saying that if the driver had stopped, perhaps it would be an accident. But because he didn't, the manner of death is homicide.

There's still a memorial for Possemato at the scene of the crash and no charges have been filed as the investigation continues.

As for Robby Vessecchia's family, they're thankful he wasn't hurt because of someone else's mistake.

"It was pretty close, thank god he didn't get hit, still a tragedy that Zack got hit," said Brad Kimmel of Hancock, NY.

Before You Leave, Check This Out