Driver now charged with third-degree murder in crash that killed three people in South Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The driver who was charged following a crash South Philadelphia that killed three people, including two members of a Mummers organization, is now charged with third-degree murder.

The charges were announced as that driver, 29-year-old Keith Campbell, was in court Tuesday for a status hearing. The district attorney's office said the three murder charges are based on "further investigation by our office."



The murder charges are in addition to previous charges of homicide by vehicle, the DA's office said.

The crash happened in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 2.

Police say Campbell, of Bear, Delaware, stabbed himself several times before crashing into the victims' SUV at 7th Street and Packer Avenue.

Witnesses told police Campbell crossed the median into opposing traffic while speeding before the collision.



Campbell had been pursued by police in Delaware before the wreck, but the chase was called off before Campbell crossed into Pennsylvania.

31-year-old Dennis Palandro, 36-year-old Joseph Ferry and 35-year-old Kelly Wiseley were killed.

Palandro's wife Nicole was also in the SUV. She survived but was seriously injured.

Ferry and Wiseley had just gotten engaged on Christmas.