Homicide by vehicle charges held for Croydon man

John Thomas Wadlinger Jr., of Croydon, was ordered Tuesday to face trial for a Bristol Township crash that claimed the lives of a couple from Connecticut in February, according to a press release published on Bucks Crimewatch.

Authorities say Wadlinger had methamphetamine and amphetamine in his system and was driving at twice the posted speed limit at the time of the crash, which claimed the lives of Rebecca Whiddon, 33, and Richard Whiddon, 37, both of Brooklyn, Conn.

Wadlinger faces more than three dozen charges, including two counts each of homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter, according to the Crimewatch post.

At a preliminary hearing held Tuesday at the Criminal Justice Center, six witnesses reportedly testified that Wadlinger was speeding on Ford Road when his eastbound Ford Explorer struck a Nissan Sentra that was turning left onto Veterans Highway from Ford Road.

Passengers in the Sentra, the Whiddons died at the scene. Its driver and another occupant sustained significant injuries.

Police said Wadlinger fled the scene on foot, stole a dump truck and drove off. After crashing the dump truck, Wadlinger again fled on foot, but was taken into custody a short time later.

Wadlinger’s formal arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 30.

Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.