WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County jury has found Gordy Tate, 27, of Philadelphia, guilty of homicide by vehicle, fleeing and eluding, recklessly endangering another person, and related charges, following a high-speed police chase that ended in a fatal crash. The conviction was announced on Friday, December 1, 2023.
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan expressed her gratitude to the first responders and jury in a statement. “The defendant engaged in a high speed and reckless chase endangering the lives of everyone on the road ultimately killing his friend,” said Ryan. “We thank the jury for the justice they gave to the victim’s family.”
According to the information presented in court, on Saturday, October 1, 2022, a West Chester police officer saw a vehicle reported as stolen from Philadelphia traveling on High Street near Market St. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver, identified as Tate, failed to comply. Instead, he allegedly sped at over 90 MPH on wet roads, ignored five stop signs, drove onto a sidewalk, and continued driving recklessly.
The fatal incident occurred when the vehicle, moving westbound on the 800 block of West Miner Street, failed to navigate a left-hand curve due to its high speed. The car veered off the road and hit a large tree, coming to a forceful stop. The passenger, Marquin Thorn, had to be extricated from the burning vehicle by first responders. He was pronounced dead shortly after. Meanwhile, Tate managed to walk away from the wreckage with minor injuries and was treated at Paoli Hospital.
The case was investigated by the West Chester Borough Police Department, with Deputy District Attorney Justin Roberts and ADA Kimberly Connolly assigned as prosecutors. A date for Tate’s sentencing will be set in the future.
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