Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 33-year-old Daniel W. Witczak of Orchard Park pleaded guilty before State Supreme Court Justice John L. Michalski to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class “D” non-violent felony. The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge.

On Sunday, September 15, 2019, at approximately 5:30 a.m., the defendant was driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed a vehicle on Southwestern Boulevard in the Town of West Seneca. Police who responded to the scene found the vehicle overturned approximately 100 feet from the roadway.

Witczak and two passengers were taken to ECMC with serious injuries. Another passenger, 38-year-old Corrine Bennett, was pronounced dead at the scene. The defendant and the two surviving passengers continue to recover from their injuries.

Witczak faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.. He remains released on his own recognizance.

DA Flynn commends the West Seneca Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Paul Glascott of the DA’s Vehicular Crimes Bureau.