PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A judge has convicted a man of involuntary manslaughter for a fatal hit-and-run nearly two years ago outside a Northeast Philadelphia bar. The victim’s relatives testified that instead of a fun evening together, they watched their cousin die.
Frederick Falcon was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, homicide by vehicle, fleeing the scene of an accident, and other related offenses in the November 2022 death of Jason Corona.
Corona, from Virginia, went to The Union Tap bar along Comly Road, near Roosevelt Boulevard, with his family to celebrate his cousin’s return from military deployment.
The victim’s relatives told the judge that Falcon had been harassing one of their female cousins that night. The clash spilled outside, where bouncers had to restrain Falcon.
The family walked away to a steak shop next door to wait for Uber rides home, but Falcon followed them, they said. He got in his car and drove around the parking lot slowly, then accelerated his SUV toward the group.
Surveillance video captured everything leading up to the fatal impact. Corona is seen trying to jump out of harm’s way, but he ends up in the path of Falcon’s car. Falcon ran him over and fled down Comly Road. He was later arrested.
Corona was taken to the hospital, where he died.
The video was played and replayed frame by frame in court. Prosecutors argued Falcon wanted to scare the group and intentionally sped up toward them, and he only tapped on his brakes when he collided with Corona. Defense attorneys claimed it was a terrible accident, arguing Falcon tried to brake but didn’t have time, as Corona jumped in front of the car in about a second and a half.
Judge Charles Ehrlich found him guilty of all charges except third-degree murder, calling his actions disgraceful. Falcon will likely serve three to six years behind bars. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July.
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