URGENT UPDATE: A Chester man has been sentenced to 11.5 to 23 months in county jail after a DUI crash that killed his common-law wife, Michelle A. Myers, last year. Edward Johnson, 55, pleaded “no contest” to vehicular manslaughter and will be paroled immediately to an inpatient treatment facility, according to a ruling by Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Cappelli on November 24, 2025.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving. Johnson was also ordered to complete five years of probation and comply with a substance abuse evaluation. In a tragic turn of events, this incident has left a family mourning the loss of a loved one while confronting the reality of addiction and its repercussions.
The crash occurred on the morning of May 24, 2024, at the intersection of Second and Flower streets. Johnson was driving a 2009 Chrysler Aspen when he collided with a 2019 tractor during a left turn. Johnson’s reckless driving was underscored by a maximum speed of 71 mph immediately before the crash, far exceeding the 35 mph speed limit in the area.
Deputy District Attorney Doug Rhoads emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “This resulted in the loss of life: The defendant’s common-law wife.” Rhoads noted that after discussions with the victim’s adult daughters, the commonwealth chose not to pursue a mandatory prison sentence, which could have been 3 to 6 years.
Johnson’s plea deal resulted in the dismissal of several charges, including three counts of driving under the influence. The court proceedings revealed that Johnson had cocaine and marijuana in his system at the time of the crash. Testimony from the crash reconstruction expert, Delaware County Detective James Rearden, confirmed that Johnson’s reckless speed and drug presence contributed to the fatal accident.
In a poignant moment during sentencing, Johnson expressed regret, stating, “I know I made a bad mistake, a very bad mistake.” His attorney, Shaka Johnson, described the profound trauma that Edward feels daily for the loss of Michelle, his high school sweetheart. “A wordsmith couldn’t find the words to articulate that,” Shaka Johnson added, emphasizing the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on the family.
The victim’s sister expressed skepticism about Johnson’s ability to stay sober, despite her forgiveness. However, Johnson’s daughters remain supportive, committing to help him during his recovery journey. One daughter stated, “I lost my mom. I don’t need to lose my dad,” reinforcing the emotional gravity of the situation.
Judge Cappelli warned Johnson that he must maintain sobriety during his probation, emphasizing the need for personal improvement to avoid further legal troubles. “The more you make yourself a better person, the less likely you are to do things that are stupid,” the judge remarked.
As Johnson begins his treatment, this case serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of impaired driving and the importance of addressing addiction. The community in Chester is left to grapple with the devastating impact of this incident, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and change surrounding substance abuse.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
