Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 18-year-old Dylan J. Wiza of Williamsville pleaded guilty this morning before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “C” felony). Justin T. Trane, 30, of Hamburg pleaded guilty to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony). Both defendants pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge.
On Sunday, August 20, 2023, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Town of Hamburg Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of McKinley Parkway and Quinby Drive. A Chevrolet Express van, operated by Justin Trane, was traveling northbound on McKinley Parkway when the collision occurred with a Subaru Forrester, driven by Dylan Wiza, as the vehicle exited a parking lot and entered the northbound lane on McKinley Drive.
Trane, the only occupant of the Chevrolet Express van, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Wiza was also transported to ECMC where he was treated for injuries to his head, face and pelvis. The front seat passenger of the Subaru, a 16-year-old female, was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children’s Hospital where she was treated for a concussion and lacerations. The rear passenger, a 15-year-old female, was unresponsive when paramedics arrived at the scene. The victim was transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital where she later died from the injuries. Our office will not be releasing the name of the deceased due to her age.
The investigation determined that the actions of both defendants contributed to the collision that resulted in the death of the passenger. Trane, who was under the influence of alcohol, drove through a red light the intersection at Quinby Drive. Wiza, who was under the influence of cannabis, was traveling southwest out of the parking lot and crossed into the northbound lane to enter the intersection. While executing a search warrant, investigators found a quantity of suspected cannabis and various drug paraphernalia inside of the Subaru allegedly driven by Wiza.
Wiza faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. He remains released on bail set at $5,000 cash or bond.
Trane faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. He was released on bail set at $5,000 cash or bond.
Acting DA Keane commends the Town of Hamburg Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.