Contact Us

Upper Chichester Township Police Department shared a post.

2 days ago

Today Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland announced that David Matthew Strowhouer, 30, entered an open plea before the Court in relation to the February 16, 2019, murder and homicide by vehicle while DUI in Upper Chichester. The investigation was conducted by Upper Chichester Police Sergeant Jason Yaletchko and Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Detective David Tyler. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Daniel McDevitt.

David Matthew Strowhouer, 30, of the 2400 block of Woodside Lane in Newtown Square, entered an open plea today before Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge Mary Alice Brennan to third degree murder and homicide by vehicle while DUI, both felonies of the first degree, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, a felony of the second degree, aggravated assault by vehicle, DUI, accidents involving death while not properly licensed, felonies of the third degree, and driving under suspension while DUI, a misdemeanor of the third degree. An open plea is a plea before the Court where the sentence is not negotiated and, after hearing argument from the Commonwealth and the defense, the Court determines what sentence to impose. Sentencing is scheduled for November 14, 2019.

On February 16, 2019, at approximately 9:22 p.m., the Upper Chichester Police Department responded to the 3300 block of Market Street for the report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers observed a 2019 Subaru with a male operator and an unresponsive female passenger, later identified as Deana Eckman. Paramedics and Fire Rescue crews attempted to extricate the occupants of the Subaru. The male driver was extricated and transported to the hospital for his injuries. The passenger, Ms. Eckman, was pronounced dead on the scene. Witnesses on scene advised that a dark colored Dodge Ram pickup truck had crossed the double yellow lines, travelling into the opposite lane of travel, striking the Subaru head on. Officers observed a heavily damaged, unoccupied Dodge Ram pickup truck on the berm of the southbound lane of travel. While conducting a search of the area to locate the driver of the pickup truck, David Strowhouer approached law enforcement and advised that he had been a passenger of the Dodge Ram pickup truck and that his cousin had been driving the pickup truck. Officers noted that Strowhouer had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and that he was intoxicated to the extent that he could not safely operate a motor vehicle. Strowhouer claimed he had been at a local bar where he and his family had gathered after the funeral of his mother earlier that day. Strowhouer claimed that he and his cousin left the gathering to go to Chester to buy cocaine.

Investigation by law enforcement, witness testimony, and video surveillance revealed that on February 16th, David Strowhouer was drinking throughout the day and was highly intoxicated when he left a residence where his family had gathered, entered the driver’s seat of the Dodge Ram pickup truck, and drove out of the area. Approximately 20 minutes later, Strowhouer, travelling up to 78 miles per hour, drove the Dodge Ram pickup truck into the opposite lane of travel on Market Street when he struck the victims’ Subaru, killing Deana Eckman and severely injuring her husband. Law enforcement officers were able to prove that Strowhouer lied about his cousin driving the pickup truck as his cousin was in Puerto Rico at the time of the crash. Strowhouer’s blood was drawn by hospital personnel and he was found to have cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol in his system.

“At the time of this offense, David Strowhouer, 30, had committed five DUIs. He has repeatedly gone to jail and served the mandatory sentence, received education and counselling, only to emerge and re-offend. On February 16th, high and drunk, he again chose to get behind the wheel of a car, tragically killing a young woman, severely injuring her husband. While we are satisfied with this plea and conviction, we know that it will not bring back the victim, or undo the emotional trauma this act of violence has caused to her family and the surrounding community. But as the result of excellent team work, with assistance from the community, the defendant will face the consequences of his actions in a manner befitting the disastrous and heart wrenching nature of his crime,” said District Attorney Kat Copeland. ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

Likes: 42
Shares: 31
Comments: 13

Comment on Facebook

Good. Put him away for a long long time so everyone can be safe

5 DUI's and he had to kill someone for something to actually be done about it! Love justice in this country!!

Can not believe he had 5 prior DUI’s. And someone paid the ultimate price for his crime.

His sentence should be nothing less than life

Candice Manko Vitale

#justicefordeana #deanaslaw 🙏💗🙏💗🙏💗

5 DUIs and he still had his license 😐

#justicefordeana!!!!!!

Karen Wagner

He should never have been on the road!!!

Grade A scumbag

Scumbag, hopefully life sentence or death penalty

Scumbag

+ View previous comments

Upper Chichester Township Police Department

1 week ago

ROBBERY:

The Upper Chichester Police are investigating a robbery that occurred at Domino's located on Chichester Avenue Sunday night, 08/04. We are attempting to identify the pictured suspect. If anyone can identify the suspect please contact Det. Jones or message us here. ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

Likes: 13
Shares: 162
Comments: 25

Comment on Facebook

Hopefully someone figures out who this person is because between the blur and the fully covered everything I can’t see a thing!!! Are there any better pictures??

I have better quality video in my doorbell. These companies need to step up their surveillance systems.

Chichester...What a shame...Hope they catch this POS and keep him in jail forever.. Glad no one was hurt..

Glad I don't work there No more.

We didn’t unlock this character yet

Kayla Gill

He’s covered from head to toe gonna be kinda hard !!!

Can't even make out anything about this person!!

Did the suspect get away with anything?

I know who it isnt!

Paul Gallagher the responses to your comment 😂 But for real, the intersection has a traffic camera, how do they not know the get away car at the very least?! 🤨

Video is terrible 🥴 what’s the point 🤪

I don't understand why be is blurred out? How can we help say who it was?

That's the hack slinging slasher

How can you he is completely covered

Stosha Lynne Andrien

Tina Louise

Karen Wetsel here's your answer.

Kevin Roselli Anna Rihan

+ View previous comments

Upper Chichester Township Police Department

1 week ago

Happy 3rd Birthday to Ringo our youngest Officer! ... See MoreSee Less