Head-on crash kills 2; speed deemed a factor

DONEGAL, PA. » Authorities say speed is believed to have been a factor in a head-on crash between two vehicles in western Pennsylvania that killed two women.

The Westmoreland County coroner’s office said a car heading south on Route 711 in Donegal Township collided with a northbound sport utility vehicle shortly before 3 p.m. Friday.

Coroner Ken Bacha said 47-year-old car driver Shari Kohan of Lower Yoder Township was killed along with 75-year-old SUV passenger Gloria Randall of Mount Pleasant Township. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene.

Bacha said speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash. Toxicology test results aren’t expected to be available for several weeks. State police are investigating the cause of the crash.

Closing arguments slated in ‘love triangle’ slaying case

UNIONTOWN, PA. » Closing arguments are expected Monday in the trial of a man charged in a homicide that western Pennsylvania authorities say stemmed from a love triangle.

The (Uniontown) Herald-Standard reports that 59-year-old Wiley Gambrel of Uniontown took the stand Friday in his own defense in the slaying of 45-year-old James Plance a year ago.

Investigators say the victim’s girlfriend said the suspect told her he wanted a relationship with her. Gambrel acknowledged having sent a text to the woman saying he loved her “so much it hurts.”

In a recorded interview, he told police he shot Plance fearing for his life. But on the stand he said he lied to protect the woman following an accidental shooting.