Croydon Man Found Guilty In Violent Crash That Killed 22-Year-Old Woman

A 53-year-old Bristol Township man from the Croydon section was found guilty of third-degree murder and related charges in the death of a 22-year-old woman killed in a violent wreck last holiday season.

The jury found Louis Gene DeMora guilty Thursday morning at the Justice Center in Doylestown. After an hour of deliberations, DeMora was found guilty on the most serious charge along with homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, DUI, reckless driving, and exceeding the maximum speed by 63 mph, according to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.

The trial was presided over by Judge Brian McGuffin.

DeMora, according to authorities, had heroin, cocaine and Xanax in his system shortly after the crash and was speeding at 88 mph along River Road when he slammed into 22-year-old Jenna Richards’ Nissan sedan at Cedar Avenue after dark on December 20, 2016. Law enforcement officials have said previously that DeMora’s reason for speeding in the 25 mph zone was part of a failed attempt to kill himself.

“He was trying to kill himself, and he used Jenna as a tool,” Deputy District Attorney Robert James told the jury.

The violent wreck threw debris more than 150 feet. At the scene, DeMora’s SUV was flipped in the road and Richards’ Nissan was thrown into two vehicles parked in driveways along River Road.

The deputy district attorney also called DeMora a “heroin-riddled speed demon.”

During the trial, defense attorney Michael Lacson made the case that Richards, a beloved student athlete who was heading to the gym, made the left turn into the path of DeMora’s older SUV, causing the violent crash that was heard for blocks. The defense attorney said his client had no time to react once Richards made the turn from Cedar Avenue onto River Road.

DeMora, according to his attorney, was “remorseful” following the crash that took Richards’ life.

“These aren’t the words of a person with malice,” Lacson told the jury. “These aren’t the words of a murderer.”

“Saying you’re sorry doesn’t cut it. Saying you’re sorry doesn’t excuse your behavior,” James said in court.

The courtroom in Doylestown was packed with friends and family of Richards.

Earlier in trial, Richard’s father testified that he was two blocks away wrapping Christmas gifts when the crash happened. He walked to the scene after hearing from a friend and learned his daughter was dead.

On Tuesday, the jury took a first-hand look at Richards’ mangled vehicle. It was moved to the parking lot of the Justice Center for viewing.

“Too many innocent lives are lost due to this selfish behavior,” James said of DeMora’s actions.