Lodi man changes plea to no contest to counts associated with fatal crash

MEDINA — A Lodi man changed his plea to no contest on two felony charges in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in Lafayette Township.  Brenden Anthony Gundel, 20, of Lodi, appeared before Medina County Common Pleas Judge Joyce Kimbler on Thursday.  Gundel is charged with a count of aggravated vehicular homicide, a third-degree felony, and a count of vehicular assault, a fourth-degree felony. The felony charges stemmed from a fatal crash on Dec. 22. The Medina Police Department previously reported that officers responded to the 7100 block of Friendsville Road for a report of a two-vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival, officers found one vehicle overturned and another with heavy front-end damage. Investigators determined one vehicle was occupied by a man and a woman, Medina police previously reported. The woman, Pegeen Razem, age 63, of Lodi, sustained critical injuries and later died as a result of the crash. The driver of the vehicle, Robert Razem, was also injured and transported for treatment. The second vehicle involved in the crash was driven by Gundel, who was the sole occupant. Gundel sustained injuries and was transported for treatment. Gundel was initially charged with one count of aggravated vehicular homicide. On Jan. 6, a supplemental indictment was filed with a count of vehicular assault. He was arraigned on both charges in January.  Gundel's sentencing is scheduled for May 14 at 10:30 a.m. in Kimbler's courtroom.  Contact reporter Sara Crawford at (330) 721-4063 or [email protected].