Whitehall man accused of driving into group faces manslaughter trial

A man accused of driving his car into a group of people in a Whitehall Township parking lot, killing one person and seriously injuring another, is set to appear in Lehigh County court.

Rajgion Davis, 55, appeared for a preliminary hearing Wednesday before District Judge Jacob Hammond, who found enough evidence to try him on charges of manslaughter, attempted murder and aggravated assault.

According to authorities, Davis intentionally struck 53-year-old Stephen Fistner and Francesca Washington on August 9 in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 1300 block of North 14th Street.

According to witnesses, Davis repeatedly rammed an unoccupied SUV belonging to Washington with his car. Davis drove away and Washington went outside to inspect the damage.

Fistner and his wife, who were walking their dog, also stopped. Davis then drove toward them, hitting Fistner, Washington and two parked cars, authorities said. Fistner pushed his wife and dog out of the way.

‘Such a good man’: Wife remembers Stephen Fistner, who was killed in a negligent homicide in Whitehall

Fistner died of his injuries about an hour later at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. Washington remains hospitalized.

Davis walked away, but numerous community members called 911, helped the victims and followed Davis while recording him on their cell phones, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office said.

Davis was arrested by Allentown police and reportedly told them that his intention was to kill Washington.

Davis remains in the Lehigh County Jail without bail.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christine F. Murphy and V. Paul Bernardino III.

Originally published: September 26, 2024 at 1:26 p.m.