“Guilty Plea in Crash That Killed University of Minnesota Pediatrician: Norman D. Toney Pleads Guilty to Vehicular Homicide”

A 36-year-old St. Paul man named Norman D. Toney has pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide in a crash that killed a University of Minnesota pediatrician. Toney, who suffers from mental health issues and takes antipsychotic medication, faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. He was seen driving recklessly at a high speed before the collision and tried to flee the scene. The pediatrician, Dr. Daniel Schnobrich, was pronounced dead, while Toney sustained minor injuries. Toney’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 29. William Bornhoft reported

An image depicting the scene of a crash is displayed. A 36-year-old man from St. Paul has entered a guilty plea for his involvement in the accident that resulted in the tragic death of Dr. Daniel Schnobrich, a pediatrician at the University of Minnesota. Norman D. Toney, the defendant, admitted to the charge of criminal vehicular homicide, revealing in his plea that he experiences auditory hallucinations and is currently taking antipsychotic medication. Toney is currently in custody in Hennepin County and could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years, as well as a fine of $20,000. The sentencing hearing for Toney is scheduled for September 29th.

The incident occurred on the evening of November 9th, 2021, when a Roseville police officer observed a dark sedan driving recklessly and aggressively at a high speed on Snelling Avenue near County Road C. The officer, in an unmarked squad car, approached the sedan at a speed of 95 mph, but the driver of the sedan turned off the lights and fled when the officer activated the squad’s lights. The officer lost sight of the sedan when Snelling Avenue transformed into Hamline Avenue. Shortly after, a catastrophic crash took place at the intersection of Highway 96 West and Hamline Avenue, about a mile away. Responding deputies discovered a severely damaged Toyota Camry, with the driver’s door completely torn off and the engine block protruding from the passenger side of the vehicle.

The driver of the Camry was identified as Dr. Schnobrich, who was on his way to work when the incident occurred. A deputy at the scene witnessed the defendant, Toney, running away from the intersection towards a nearby pond. Toney ignored commands from law enforcement and was apprehended after being tackled. Witnesses reported that Toney appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was observed repeatedly moving between the pond and the damaged Camry. One witness stated that they saw a black car traveling at high speed on Hamline Avenue, heading north towards Highway 96, followed by a loud crash and flames.

Authorities later discovered Toney’s submerged Cadillac SRX in the pond. When the vehicle was retrieved, its speedometer was found to be stuck at 103 mph. Both Dr. Schnobrich and Toney were taken to Regions Hospital, where the doctor tragically succumbed to his injuries. Toney, on the other hand, only sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment. It is worth noting that Toney has a history of prior felony convictions, including first-degree burglary.

Overall, the guilty plea of Norman D. Toney in relation to the crash that resulted in the death of Dr. Daniel Schnobrich highlights the tragic consequences of reckless driving. Toney’s admission of hearing voices and his use of antipsychotic medication further adds to the complexity of the case. The upcoming sentencing hearing on September 29th will determine the consequences Toney will face for his actions..