Watch CBS News

Man Sentenced In 2005 Blairsville Hit & Run

INDIANA, Pa. (KDKA) -- A man was back in court today for his sentencing in connection with a 2005 fatal hit and run accident in Indiana County.

Gregory Wisneski, Jr. was sentenced to one to two years in jail in the July 2005 accident along Route 119 in Blairsville.

Sean Pearce, 29, was struck there as he rode his bicycle. He died from his injuries.

A year later, Wisneski was arrested for running Pearce over.

Charges were dropped though after it was determined that Pearce could have crashed into a construction barrel or may have been hit by more than one vehicle.

But his family kept fighting in court, and eventually the Pennsylvania Supreme court ruled in his favor. The decision said, in part, that the terms "injury" and "damage" are synonymous.

Wisneski's car accident lawyers previously argued that Pearce was already dead when Wisneski hit him with his car.

Following the sentencing, Pearce's family held a balloon launch and vigil Friday afternoon.

RELATED LINKS:
Pa. Supreme Court Rules In Favor Of Hit-And-Run Victim's Family (9/30/11)
More Indiana County News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.