An Indian American trucker from Parlin, N.J., pleaded guilty Jan. 2, to a hit-and-run death he caused two and a half years ago.
Jaswinder Singh, 30, could face up to five years in prison for involuntary manslaughter in the death of 21-year-old Paul Miller of Scranton, Penn. The accident happened on Route 33 in Hamilton Township, N.J.
According to witnesses Singh was driving erratically at high speed when his truck jackknifed, crossed the median and hit Miller’s van killing him instantly. None of the other 11 people in the van were hurt, according to the Pocono Record news website.
Singh asked the court if he could enter a probationary program that first-time offenders are allowed to request instead of a trial or guilty plea. The court denied his request because the crime was a serious one causing death. Singh then pleaded guilty.
He may also have to pay thousands of dollars in fines. He now awaits a pre-sentencing investigation report from the county probation office. During this time, his family and friends could write letters showing their support for Singh’s character and past history, the Pocono Record said. The judge decides the severity of the punishment based on the pre-investigation report
