Middletown man admits guilt in crash that killed Rumpke worker in July

Jankovich faces up to 60 months in prison. Judge Greg Stephens set sentencing for May 10.

FIRST REPORT: Rumpke worker dies after being pinned in Middletown crash

In December, a grand jury indicted Jankovich for second-degree felony aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular homicide, a first-degree misdemeanor, and vehicular manslaughter, a second-degree misdemeanor. In exchange for the plea, the felony charge was lowered and the misdemeanors were dismissed.

David J. Evans, 52, of Cincinnati, stopped the Rumpke truck on Central Avenue near Marshall Road about 6:30 a.m. on July 30, 2018. A tan 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, operated by Jankovich, struck Evans and pinned him against the rear of the Rumpke truck, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s preliminary report.

According to the report, the Rumpke truck had its safety lights activated while Evans was collecting trash in his reflective safety gear.

Evans was transported by medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on July 30.

Jankovich was transported to Atrium Medical Center with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

MORE: Top Your Trash: Local woman honors local Rumpke workers after Monday’s fatal crash

Rumpke officials said Evans had been an employee for about 15 years.

Evans’ family and Jankovich’s family were in the courtroom for the short hearing but left without comment.

Attorney Frank Schiavone IV said he will present mitigation evidence for his client at the sentencing. Jankovich remains free on his own recognizance and is wearing an ankle monitor.

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