Leon “Lee” Price, a former 911 dispatcher in Pennsylvania, has been relieved of the involuntary manslaughter charges brought against him. Price was accused of failing to dispatch an ambulance to the rural home of Diania Kronk, whose death from internal bleeding occurred a day later.
Greene County District Attorney Brianna Vanata opted to close the case after reviewing an investigator’s report that found no criminal liability on Price’s part in Kronk’s demise. Vanata criticized the decision to press charges, made two years post-Kronk’s death and shortly after her family initiated a lawsuit, labeling it a misstep by the prior district attorney.
Timothy Ross, Price’s defense attorney, characterized the charges as a harrowing experience for his client, emphasizing Price’s steadfast assertion of innocence. Ross conveyed Price’s relief in moving past the allegations, noting his current employment in Greene County’s maintenance department.
Investigators had previously highlighted Price’s hesitation to dispatch aid without certainty that Kronk would seek hospital care. Vanata’s decision hinged on a memo from Greene County Regional Police Chief Zachary Sams, suggesting Price’s potential lack of adequate training and actions not warranting criminal prosecution.
A recorded conversation between Price and Kronk’s daughter, Kelly Titchenell, formed a crucial part of the case. Titchenell, expressing concern over her mother’s condition, assured Price of Kronk’s willingness to go to the hospital. Despite her efforts, Kronk was discovered deceased the following day.
While former District Attorney Russo argued for proceeding with ample evidence, Vanata believed dismissing the charges was the just course of action. Despite critique from Titchenell regarding the review’s depth, Vanata defended her thorough evaluation of the evidence.
The case’s closure signifies the end of a taxing journey for both Price and Kronk’s family, who endured years of legal uncertainties and proceedings.