Additional charge added against father after Elliston car-train collision

911 call describes chilling moments after Elliston train accident (Image 2) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

MONTGOMERY COUNTY (WSLS 10) -- An additional charge is filed against 25-year-old Austin Lilly, the man whose 3-year-old daughter was killed after his car collided with an oncoming train in Elliston.

Mother remembers 3-year-old daughter, killed in Elliston train accident (Image 1)

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Lilly was already facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter after the March 2015 accident.

Investigators say he was driving a vehicle with three children inside when he collided with a Norfolk Southern train. Marlee Dawn Rickman- Lilly was killed. Austin Lilly and the two other children were taken to the hospital.

MOTHER REMEMBERS 3-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, KILLED IN ELLISTON TRAIN ACCIDENT 

Austin Lilly is now facing a second charge, aggravated involuntary manslaughter. Commonwealth's Attorney Mary Pettitt says the more serious charge requires showing his behavior was "so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life."

Involuntary manslaughter carries a sentence of zero to 10 years, if convicted. Aggravated carries a sentencing range of 1-20 years, Pettitt said.

Lilly's trial is set for March 28, three days after the one year anniversary of his daughter's death.


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