Hearing waived in Sewickley Township criminal homicide case

By the MVI

A West Newton man accused of intentionally striking and killed a motorcyclist with a pickup truck, will head to court on criminal homicide charges.

Ryan Thompson, 47, appeared Monday before Magisterial John Christner in Rostraver Township, where he waived his right to a hearing on charges of criminal homicide, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle, reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person.

State police charged Thompson following a July 16 crash on Lowber Road in Sewickley Township that claimed the life of 46-yearold Roy Holliday, who died the following day from injuries suffered in the crash.

According to court records, Thompson was initially identified following a review of a nearby home’s security camera that recorded what appeared to be a champagne-colored pickup approach Holliday’s motorcycle from behind as they traveled east and make contact with the bike.

According to the criminal complaint, Melissa Thompson said Holliday became jealous over her dealings with her ex-husband. Police said the two men then exchanged messages.

In one of the messages, Thompson told Holliday he was at his ex-wife’s home. Police said Holliday returned to the house, confronted Thompson, retrieved an item from his bedroom that he stuffed into his belt, and went outside to his motorcycle.

Two hours later, Melissa Thompson told police she was called by her former husband, who asked if she was safe and for her to take care of their son and his dog.

Police said cell phone location data placed both men near the crash scene at the time of the collision.

Investigators also allege Thompson turned off his cell phone minutes after the crash.

Thompson remains in Westmoreland County Jail with no bond.