Fayette County man charged with homicide by vehicle while DUI in crash that killed 2

GEORGES TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) - A man is facing homicide charges five months after a crash that killed two people. 

A magisterial district judge in Fayette County signed off on a warrant for 33-year-old James Coty Empoules of Masontown.

On Tuesday, charges were filed again Empoules in connection to a double-fatal crash that happened in July on Walnut Hill Road in Georges Township.

According to a criminal docket, the charges included two counts of homicide by vehicle and two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence as well as careless driving causing unintentional death and two counts of endangering the welfare of children.

On July 28, 29-year-old Tyler Durst of Point Marion and 27-year-old Mercedes Mecozzi of Uniontown were killed when their car and a pick-up truck collided head-on. 

Family said the two were on their way to pick up Mecozzi's 10-year-old daughter at the time.

Police said there were three people inside the pick-up truck: a father and his two small children.  All three were hurt and flown to a hospital in West Virginia.

Angela Brown, Mecozzi's aunt, said this tragedy was avoidable and had long suspected alcohol was a factor.

"I just want him to learn from this," Brown said.  "He was fortunate that his children, and yes, they were hurt, but they're here."

Court documents also list charges of DUI: high rate of alcohol (BAC .10 - < .16) and DUI: controlled substance – combination alcohol/drugs against Empoules.

In the state of Pennsylvania, the punishment for unintentionally killing someone while driving under the influence can range from three to 10 years in prison as well as thousands of dollars in fines.

Brown said if the case is prosecuted, she hoped the punishment would be more than what she called a "slap on the wrist."

"Two lives were lost," Brown said.  "And that means something."