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Jury returns verdict in wrong-way crash trial

Joseph Persico is accused of homicide by vehicle for the deadly wreck in 2018.

CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — A verdict has been reached in a wrong-way crash trial in Carbon County.

A jury found Joseph Persico, 73, guilty of driving under the influence when he caused a wrong-way crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Route 476) in Carbon County in 2018.

The verdict was returned before 4 p.m. Wednesday. Persico was found guilty of homicide by vehicle while DUI, involuntary manslaughter, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person.

In 2020, after a lengthy investigation, Persico was charged in the case.

Police say Persico was driving south in the northbound lanes leading to a three-car crash that killed Paul Gerrity of Scranton.

During closing arguments, the defense told the jury to find Persico guilty on the charge of involuntary manslaughter but not guilty of homicide by vehicle while DUI, saying there wasn't enough evidence to prove he was incapable of driving.

However, the prosecution reminded jurors of Persico's blood-alcohol level, the partially full bottle of vodka in his vehicle, and the dash camera video from the third victim involved in the crash.

"I wouldn't call it a win. I would call it justice. I think the facts in this case were clear, and the jury was able to see that, and justice was served by the way they rendered their verdict," said Carbon County Assistant District Attorney Kara Beck.

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