Pennsylvania – In a shocking incident in Pennsylvania, an 11-year-old girl, identified as R. Bonnoni, was struck and killed by a drunk 65-year-old driver, identified as J. Glowatski, just a few yards from her home—moments after the elderly man left a local bar. Nearly a year later, Glowatski has been charged, though not for her death, sparking outrage and heartbreak among those who loved her.
Glowatski was recently charged with three counts of driving under the influence and two counts of careless driving, according to the DA’s Office. However, he will not face charges for vehicular homicide, despite the tragedy that unfolded last August. The incident occurred on August 20, 2024, around 7:30 p.m. Bonnoni, described by loved ones as joyful, imaginative, and full of life, was playing outside her home with a friend. Just a few steps away from safety, she was struck by a vehicle driven by Glowatski, who had spent nearly five hours drinking across two local bars.
Court records say Glowatski began drinking around 2:45 p.m., consuming at least 12 beers, including five 12-ounce servings shortly before leaving the bar. By 7:15 p.m., he was behind the wheel of his vehicle. Minutes later, as Bonnoni crossed the street in front of her home, she was hit. Her father witnessed the entire scene and rushed to his daughter’s side. According to a family GoFundMe, her father “rushed to her, picking her up, holding her, and calling for help. Unfortunately, nothing could be done to save her.”
First responders arrived at the crash site to find Glowatski slurring his words and refusing field sobriety tests. Officers secured a search warrant to conduct blood alcohol testing, which revealed Glowatski’s BAC was 0.153%—nearly twice the legal limit. A witness told local reporters he approached Glowatski’s vehicle and demanded he turn off the engine and hand over his keys to prevent him from fleeing. The horror of that moment has lingered in the community for months.
Despite the severity of the crash and clear signs of intoxication, prosecutors said they lacked sufficient evidence to bring homicide charges. “Based on the evidence, the case has been appropriately charged,” a spokesperson from the district attorney’s office told local media. Legal experts explained that proving homicide by vehicle beyond a reasonable doubt is extremely difficult. Prosecutors are ethically obligated not to bring charges they do not believe they can successfully prove in court. Still, some in the community—including eyewitnesses and family friends—have expressed frustration over the limited charges, saying Glowatski is just getting a slap on the wrist. Glowatski is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on September 24. As the case proceeds, questions persist over whether the justice system can ever truly account for the loss of a child whose life was cut short steps from her own front door.
