Philadelphia Man Standing Trial for the Crash Resulting in a Woman Death in Cheltenham- What Really Happened?

On November 25, 2023, a fatal car crash occurred in Cheltenham Township, just outside of Philadelphia, that tragically took the life of 33-year-old Laishah “Nala” Kendra Holloman. The crash has led to homicide charges against 37-year-old Philadelphia resident Shaikan Pitts, who now faces trial for his alleged role in Holloman’s death. As the case moves forward, many questions remain about exactly what happened that evening and who is responsible. In this article we talk about a Philadelphia Man Standing Trial for the Crash Resulting in a Woman Death in Cheltenham.

The Crash

According to police reports, the crash took place around 5:53 p.m. on Old York Road near the intersection with Spring Avenue in the Elkins Park neighborhood. Pitts was driving a 2011 Nissan Rogue northbound on Old York Road at what officials describe as “a high rate of speed” when his vehicle collided with Holloman’s southbound Ford van as she pulled out of a private driveway.

The violent impact of the crash caused Holloman’s van to spin out of control and overturn, trapping her underneath the vehicle. First responders arrived to find Holloman partially ejected out of the driver’s side window. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Pitts remained at the site of the crash and cooperated with police.

The Investigation

An investigation by Cheltenham Township police found that Pitts’ Nissan Rogue slammed into the driver’s side of Holloman’s van with enough force to cause the van to flip over. There was also no evidence found that Pitts braked or tried to maneuver to avoid the collision.

Additionally, police allege that Pitts was traveling at 69 mph in a 40 mph speed zone. They argue that had Pitts been obeying the posted speed limit, he would have had ample time to see Holloman’s van pulling out and could have avoided hitting her.

Officers at the scene also reported detecting the odor of alcohol on Pitts’ breath. Subsequent tests showed his blood alcohol content to be 0.135%, well over the 0.08% legal limit for driving under the influence in Pennsylvania.

The Charges

Based on the investigation’s findings, Cheltenham police charged Pitts with several serious crimes, including:

• Homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence
• Aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI
• Accidents involving death while unlicensed
• DUI – general impairment
• Speeding
• Reckless and careless driving

The most serious charge – homicide by vehicle while DUI – is a second-degree felony that carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 3 years if convicted.

Defense Arguments

Pitts’ defense attorney argues that there is insufficient evidence to prove alcohol impairment caused the crash. He asserts that speed was the sole factor and calls it an “unavoidable crash” due to Pitts’ excessive rate of speed.

The lawyer has motioned for the homicide by vehicle while DUI charge to be dropped for lack of a clear connection between Pitts’ alleged intoxication and the collision. However, the district court judge upheld all charges after the preliminary hearing.

Ongoing Case

Pitts maintains innocence but will now have to face all charges in Montgomery County Court. He remains held in county jail on $90,000 cash bail until his formal arraignment on June 26. After entering a plea at arraignment, a county judge will schedule Pitts’ criminal trial date.

The tragic events of November 25th cut short the life of Laishah “Nala” Kendra Holloman in a sudden, violent crash. As Shaikan Pitts now faces homicide charges, the case will determine if he bears criminal responsibility for her death or if other factors were solely to blame. The trial outcome has major implications for all involved, impacting accountability, grief, and long-term justice. I sincerely hope you find this “Philadelphia Man Standing Trial for the Crash Resulting in a Woman Death in Cheltenham- What Really Happened?” article helpful.