'You killed him that day:' Man to serve up to 15 years for 2023 fatal crash in Murrysville

A man is facing up to 15 years in prison, nearly two years after a deadly crash in Murrysville. Our news partners at the Trib reported Monday that Darren Hamm, 61, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, drunk driving, and other related charges in connection with a crash on Route 22 at the intersection of School Road on Oct. 7, 2023. Hamm was said to have spent the day drinking at the Fort Allen Volunteer Fire Company & Relief Association before running a red light and crashing into 65-year-old Michael Poholsky's Chrysler Concorde. The Trib said Michael Poholsky was driving home with his 28-year-old son after they spent the day at Idlewild and Soak Zone with his 6-year-old granddaughter. Poholsky later died from his injuries. Police said Hamm's blood alcohol level was 0.183% after the crash, more than twice the limit at which a motorist is considered to be intoxicated under state law.On Monday, the Trib stated, Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Tim Krieger imposed terms of a negotiated plea bargain and sentenced Hamm to serve five-and-a-half to 15 years in prison and an additional five years on probation. During the sentencing, the judge was hesitant to accept the plea deal due to Hamm's past involvement in the county’s Veterans Court program, which focuses on intensive supervision and treatment, and allows former military members charged with what officials describe as minor crimes a chance to avoid jail. It also allows them to receive shorter sentences or have their cases dismissed upon successful completion of the six-to-24-month program.Hamm, the Trib continued, had previously been charged with drunk driving three times, dating back to 2012. He was said to have graduated from the Veterans program in 2018. Poholsky family members said they were angry and still grieving, the Trib continued.“You do not deserve any respect from anyone in my family because you ruined the future of my entire family,” said the victim’s younger brother, Rick Poholsky. “Mike and I grew up with an alcoholic father, and in my head, I could not imagine another alcoholic could hurt my family. Mike’s life should have lasted many more years, but you killed him that day.”