Teen driver faces trial for fatal Horsham crash

HATBORO, Pa. - October 31, 2011

Police say 19-year-old Conner McNicholas was drunk when he slammed his car into a tree going nearly 100 miles per hour.

His two friends, 19-year-old Edward Coombs and 19-year-old Robert Nagel, were killed.

McNicholas left the courthouse Monday, after waving his preliminary hearing.

In 2012, he'll stand trial on two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.

The Montgomery County District Attorney says at the time of the accident, McNicholas' blood alcohol level was five times the legal limit for a person his age.

He was speeding nearly 100 miles per hour when he jumped the curb and travelled 400 feet before crashing into the tree.

Four friends were also inside the vehicle. Coombs and Nagel both died at the scene, while the other passengers were treated for minor injuries.

According to the District Attorney, open containers of apple brandy and rum were found at the scene.

Mcnicholas' lawyer says his client is not guilty of any crime.

"I'm saying he was not drunk or impaired. He's not denying he was driving the car. The issue is whether he was impaired when he was driving the car, that is what the case is about," Peter Scuderi.

For the families of the deceased, incredibly difficult times are ahead.

"We're getting through it. We're getting through it one day at a time," said Eric Coombs, the victim's father.

If convicted on all counts, McNicholas could face up to 14 years in state prison.