Columbia Woman Waives Preliminary Hearing in Child Death Case

Emily WeaverEmily Weaver /Submitted Image

LANCASTER, PA — Emily Weaver, a 32-year-old woman from Columbia, Pennsylvania, waived her preliminary hearing on Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Miles Bixler. Weaver is facing charges of third-degree murder, endangering the welfare of children, and involuntary manslaughter following an incident on October 4, 2023, which resulted in the death of her 3-month-old child.

According to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, West Hempfield Township Police responded to Weaver’s residence in the 4300 block of Fairview Road around 4:30 p.m. on October 4, after receiving reports of a deceased child in a vehicle. Witnesses had visited Weaver’s home after she failed to pick up her other children from school, raising concerns due to her history of drug addiction.

Upon entering the house, the witnesses discovered Weaver unresponsive on the second floor. They subsequently found the infant beyond help, strapped into a car seat in Weaver’s parked vehicle outside.

In a later interview with the police, Weaver admitted to using methamphetamines.

West Hempfield Township Police Detective Robert Bradfield filed the charges against Weaver. Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa is prosecuting the case, which will now proceed to Lancaster County Court.

Information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest is not a declaration of guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.

READ:  Chester Man Admits to Smuggling Migrants, Faces Up to 120 Years in Prison