Judge sends vehicular homicide case to grand jury

CORTLAND — Judy Tomayko, aunt of Brittany Szwedko of Cortland, said she sat in Central District Court this morning holding a photo of Brittany during a preliminary hearing for Russell Lauer III as a reminder of “the impact of what he’s done.”

Lauer is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, drunken driving, leaving the scene of an accident and a driving-lane violation in the death of Szwedko. He’s accused of driving his car off the road Feb. 27 and hitting Szwedko, who died three days later.

Lauer, 43, of Cortland waived his right to force prosecutors to establish probable cause, and Judge Thomas Campbell forwarded the case to a Trumbull County grand jury for indictment.

Lauer spent most of the hearing with his head hanging low as he sat and stood before the judge, who continued Lauer’s $215,000 bond. Lauer remains in the county jail and was brought to the court in person for this hearing.

Szwedko, 27, died after being struck along Ridge Road in Fowler Towship while running. She was training for Sunday’s Mill Creek Distance Classic half marathon and 5K. Members of her family ran in the event to honor her.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com