Bryn Mawr man charged in student death rejects plea

The Bryn Mawr man accused of third-degree murder in the high-speed September crash that killed a Villanova engineering student and critically injured another rejected a plea agreement from the Delaware County district attorney Friday and has opted to go to trial.

Just after midnight Sept. 29, Donnie Sayers, 29, was driving a stolen Range Rover at estimated speeds of up to 100 mph trying to elude police when he slammed into a Volkswagen Jetta, killing Daniel M. Giletta and critically injuring his roommate, Frank "Patrick" DiChiara, both 21.

Sayers, who has a lengthy criminal history, turned down a plea agreement for 12 to 25 years in prison, and discharged his attorney, saying he has retained another private attorney.

Deputy District Attorney Daniel McDevitt told the court the plea agreement would not be extended.

Sayers is also charged with involuntary manslaughter, driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault, receiving stolen property and other related crimes. If found guilty, he now faces 41 to 82 years in prison, according to sentencing guidelines, said McDevitt.

Earlier this week, Sayers waffled at taking the same plea agreement. He first told Common Pleas Court Judge Frank Hazel he wanted to hire another attorney, then said he wanted to think it over.