Plum Woman Was Drunk When She Caused Fatal Wreck: Police

PITTSBURGH, PA — A Plum woman was driving drunk with her seven-month-old child in the back seat when she caused a fatal accident in O'Hara in January, police said.

According to court records, Alyssa Galiano, 29, has been charged with homicide by vehicle while DUI; aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI; homicide by vehicle and endangering the welfare of children.

The charges were filed Thursday. The reason for the delay is unclear.

Police allege Galiano had been drinking the night of the Jan. 16 crash that occurred when her vehicle crossed the Freeport Road center line near Powers Run Road and slammed into an oncoming car.

A passenger in the car, Michael Vernon, 74, of Pittsburgh, died in the crash. His wife, Maria Vernon, 68, who was driving the vehicle was injured as was Galiano. The seven-month old child, who was strapped into a car seat, was uninjured.

According to police, Galiano was driving 75 mph before the crash, about 20 miles over the speed limit.

Court records on Friday indicated a preliminary hearing date for Galiano had not yet been set.