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Suspect indicted in crash that killed 94-year-old woman

Edward Harris faces 25 years in prison if convicted

TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. — The man accused of driving into a senior housing complex in the Town of Tonawanda in March appeared in court Monday.

According to the Erie County District Attorney's office, Edward Harris, 33, was speeding on Oakridge Avenue when he crashed into the Ken-Ton Presbyterian Village Apartments. Investigators say Harris was under the influence of marijuana when the crash occurred.  

One of Harris' attorneys stated in court that his client had a prescription for medicinal marijuana and other medications. He said Harris was taking these medications for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, narcolepsy and depression. 

His attorney also testified that Harris had no prior convictions and was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in 2011.   

Debris caused by the crash fell on Lida Alminate, 94, who was in her apartment at the time.  She was taken to Erie County Medical Center where she later died of her injuries. 

Her family released a statement which said:

"The Alminate family is glad to see that the perpetrator of her death is being brought to justice. Lida was our mother and our grandmother. We will ensure that he is held responsible for this senseless act that has caused our family nothing but heartache"

Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said this is about more than the accident. 

"I want to make it clear that...uh, driving under the influence of marijuana is not gonna be tolerated here in Erie County," Flynn said.

Harris faces one count of Murder in the Second Degree and one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree. Judge Paul Wojtaszek set bail at $50,000.

Harris was ordered to give up his driver's license. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison if convicted. 

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