Anthony Jonello : “Montgomery County woman sentenced for fatal hit-and-run crash in Whitemarsh Township”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Montgomery County hit-and-run crash
2. Whitemarsh Township pedestrian fatality

A Whitemarsh Township woman, Jennifer Ann Parker, was sentenced to 3½ to 10 years in prison for a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a man crossing a township roadway. Parker failed to render aid or call 911 after striking Anthony Jonello on Feb. 17, 2023. The jury found Parker guilty of accidents involving death, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence of marijuana. Despite claiming damage from a junk truck, evidence suggested Parker knew she hit Jonello. Relatives of Jonello expressed their grief in court, emphasizing the impact of his loss. The judge imposed a sentence greater than the mandatory term, citing Parker’s deceptive behavior.

**Tragic Accident in Whitemarsh Township**

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Whitemarsh Township woman, Jennifer Ann Parker, was sentenced to 3½ to 10 years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run incident that took the life of Anthony Jonello. The incident occurred on the evening of Feb. 17, 2023, when Parker struck Jonello as he was crossing a township roadway. What makes this case even more tragic is that Parker not only failed to stop and render aid but also did not call 911 for help.

**Sentence and Court Proceedings**

During the sentencing in Montgomery County Court, Judge Risa Vetri Ferman expressed her dismay at Parker’s actions, stating that there were multiple opportunities for her to do the right thing that evening. Parker was convicted by a jury of accidents involving death or personal injury, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence of marijuana. The judge imposed a sentence higher than the mandatory three years, citing the egregiousness of Parker’s deceptive behaviour when questioned by police.

**Deceptive Behaviour and Lack of Remorse**

After the incident, Parker claimed that the damage to her vehicle occurred while she was behind a junk collection truck on Butler Pike. However, investigators found no evidence of junk on the roadway, casting doubt on Parker’s story. Despite the overwhelming evidence against her, Parker continued to deny her involvement in the hit-and-run, showing a lack of remorse for her actions.

**Impact on Jonello’s Family**

The tragic loss of Anthony Jonello has left his family devastated. His relatives described him as a kind and gentle soul who enjoyed simple pleasures like gummy candy, grape soda, and working on his car. His daughter, Lily, expressed the pain of missing her father at important milestones in her life and the lingering questions about his final moments. Jonello’s mother, Lucille, wrote a heartfelt letter expressing her anguish over the loss of her son in such a tragic manner.

**Prosecution and Defence Arguments**

Assistant District Attorney Gabriella Glenning argued for a sentence that reflected Parker’s conduct and the need to deter similar actions in the future. Defence lawyer Meredith Dominguez, on the other hand, pleaded for leniency, stating that Parker was not a bad person and that the incident would haunt her for the rest of her life. Ultimately, the judge denied Parker’s request for a delay in reporting to prison, and she was immediately taken into custody.

**Detailed Investigation and Evidence**

The investigation into the hit-and-run incident revealed crucial evidence linking Parker to the crime. Damage to her vehicle, fabric residue matching Jonello’s reflective vest, and video surveillance footage all pointed to Parker’s involvement in the accident. The lack of pre-impact braking and the presence of Jonello’s belongings near Parker’s vehicle further solidified the case against her.

**Conclusion**

The tragic loss of Anthony Jonello in a hit-and-run incident has left a family shattered and a community reeling. The sentencing of Jennifer Ann Parker serves as a reminder of the consequences of reckless actions on the road. As the family continues to grieve the loss of their loved one, they hope that justice will be served and that such incidents will not be repeated in the future.