Crime & Safety

Wrong-Way Driver in I-78 Crash Pleads Guilty

Thomas J. Frezza, of Upper Nazareth Township, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle and drunken driving in Northampton County Court Monday.

The Upper Nazareth man who authorities said caused an accident that killed a Russian friend and co-worker pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle and drunken driving in Northampton County Court Monday, the Morning Call has reported.

In court, Thomas J. Frezza, 21, reportedly admitted to leaving a July 2011 Bethlehem party at which he drank heavily, although he said he can't remember leaving or driving up an exit ramp to Route 412 in order to enter I-78.

Minutes after entering the highway, Frezza's in Lower Saucon Township, killing his passenger, Evgeny Vinogradov, 21.

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Frezza was sentenced by Judge Edward Smith to two-and-a-half to five years in jail as part of a plea agreement, the Morning Call article indicated.


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