UPDATE: A Chester man, Edward Johnson, has been sentenced to 11.5 to 23 months in county jail with immediate parole to an inpatient treatment facility following a fatal DUI crash that claimed the life of his common-law wife, Michelle A. Myers, aged 53. The sentence was handed down by Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Cappelli on November 24, 2025, and includes five years of consecutive probation.
The crash occurred on the morning of May 24, 2024, at the intersection of Second and Flower Streets in Chester, Pennsylvania. Johnson, 55, pleaded “no contest” to vehicular manslaughter and faced multiple charges, including DUI and reckless endangerment. Deputy District Attorney Doug Rhoads described Johnson’s actions as “reprehensible and dangerous,” resulting in a tragic loss of life.
According to court testimony, Johnson was driving a 2009 Chrysler Aspen at dangerously high speeds, reaching up to 71 mph in a 35 mph zone before colliding with a tractor trailer. Witnesses reported that the Chrysler was engulfed in flames when emergency responders arrived. A subsequent blood test revealed the presence of cocaine and marijuana in Johnson’s system.
The emotional toll of this incident was palpable during the sentencing. Johnson’s attorney noted his longstanding battle with addiction, claiming he had been addicted to crack cocaine since age 30. “I know I made a bad mistake, a very bad mistake,” Johnson told the judge, expressing remorse for the death of his high school sweetheart.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Johnson’s daughters voiced their support for their father, stating they would assist him in his recovery journey. They expressed hope for his rehabilitation but remained cautious about his potential for relapse.
Judge Cappelli emphasized the importance of maintaining sobriety during probation, warning Johnson that any slip-ups could lead to a maximum of seven years in state prison. “The more you make yourself a better person, the less likely you are to do things that are stupid,” he advised.
As Johnson prepares to enter a treatment program at Keystone Recovery following his release, the community watches closely, hoping for his transformation and recovery. The tragic story underscores the devastating impact of substance abuse and the ripple effects it has on families and communities.
This developing story reflects the urgent need for support and resources for individuals battling addiction, alongside the importance of accountability for those whose actions endanger lives.
