Judge denies bail release of fatal hit-and-run suspect

Despite raising bail, Walter Raven is staying in jail.

Raven, 60, of Jenkins Township, was going to post $160,000 bail through a bondsman on Thursday but Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough believes he remains a danger to society.

“My job is to protect the citizens of Luzerne County,” Vough said.

Raven is facing a trial in May on charges he drove away after county detectives and Pittston Township police allege he turned his Buick into the path of a motorcycle operated by Donnie Pizano, 38, on state Route 315 on Sept. 2. Pizano and a passenger on the motorcycle, Robin Walsh, 39, both of Plains Township, were killed in the crash.

Neither Pizano nor Walsh was wearing a helmet.

Raven has been jailed since his arrest later in the day on Sept. 2 on unrelated drug offenses.

Raven, through his attorney, Anthony Moses, tried to have his bail modified but was denied by Judge William Amesbury in November.

Vough said, despite Raven having a right to bail, Raven has a history of driving a vehicle without a license. Vough said the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has found Raven to be a habitual offender by driving a car while not licensed.

Assistant District Attorney Mamie Phillips opposed Raven’s release and requested the bail be increased.

In court papers filed Wednesday, Phillips stated after Raven turned into the path of the motorcycle, he proceeded through the drive-through window of a McDonald’s and purchased two ice cream cones.

Raven, with the help of Daniel Antonini, 46, of Wilkes-Barre, power-washed the Buick and the pair were spotted by a Jenkins Township police officer searching for the vehicle on Sept. 2, according to court records.

Moses said Raven has not violated conditions of his bail since he has been jailed and there was no reason why his client should be prohibited from posting bail.

“I’m not going to sign the bail piece until you can agree with me he is not going to drive a car,” Vough said.was denied by Judge William Amesbury in November.

Vough said, despite Raven having a right to bail, Raven has a history of driving a vehicle without a license. Vough said the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has found Raven to be a habitual offender by driving a car while not licensed.

Assistant District Attorney Mamie Phillips opposed Raven’s release and requested the bail be increased.

In court papers filed Wednesday, Phillips stated after Raven turned into the path of the motorcycle, he proceeded through the drive-through window of a McDonald’s and purchased two ice cream cones.

Raven, with the help of Daniel Antonini, 46, of Wilkes-Barre, power-washed the Buick and the pair were spotted by a Jenkins Township police officer searching for the vehicle on Sept. 2, according to court records.

Moses said Raven has not violated conditions of his bail since he has been jailed and there was no reason why his client should be prohibited from posting bail.

“I’m not going to sign the bail piece until you can agree with me he is not going to drive a car,” Vough said.