A Pennsylvania woman is being charged with 4 counts of reckless endangerment and corruption of minors, as well as 17 citations for providing minors with alcohol, following a fatal accident that occurred after 4 teens left a party she was hosting. The woman will not be charged with involuntary manslaughter because prosecutors could not prove that the alcohol she provided to the teens caused the accident. The driver of the vehicle had also been drinking at another party earlier that evening.
Prosecutors are seeking 45 years in prison for the woman, who has already pled guilty, though she is likely to get far less prison time once sentencing commences.
According to reports, the woman provided a keg of beer for her son’s graduation party last June. Following that party 4 teens got in a car to drive home. Less than a mile from the scene of the party, the teens got into a car accident, killing three and injuring a fourth.
Prosecutors seem to be trying to make an example of the defendant due to the tragic outcome of the evening’s events. But it might be difficult for them to get the sentence they are hoping for as it was never established that the alcohol that she provided is that led the driver of the vehicle to become drunk.
In the end, what this really comes down to is a question of morality. Parents all over the country provide alcohol to their teens, thinking that if they are supervising the party, no harm can come. But when an adult allows someone underage to leave their supervision, who is ultimately responsible for what may transpire?
According to at least one Pennsylvania prosecutor, the parent should be held responsible. What do you think?
