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Updated: 2:14 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010 | Posted: 1:55 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010

Co-Defendant In Fatal Cambria Co. Crash Reaches Plea Deal

EBENSBURG, Pa. —

Just days before a Cambria County woman is set to be tried on vehicular homicide and drug charges, her co-defendant reached a plea agreement in connection with the incident.

Edelyn Madalura pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy charges. Madalura was a passenger in Melody Harris' car in January 2009 when Harris, police say, collided with another vehicle on Haws Pike. Todd Black and Richard Facci, who were in the other vehicle, died in the crash.

Police said they found cocaine in a diaper bag in Harris' vehicle.

Cambria County District Attorney Kelly Callihan said as part of Madalura's plea bargain, Madalura admitted her involvement with Harris in possessing the cocaine and transporting it to the Alleghenies from New York.

Madalura is a Canadian citizen, and her attorney said that will likely mean she will be deported and will not be allowed back in the U.S. for at least 10 years. Callihan said prosecutors will notify immigration officials about the plea but said, "What happens to her immigration status, that's something that immigration will have to have a hearing on and determine."

In the meantime, prosecutors said they have been working toward reaching a plea agreement with Harris and have offered her five to 10 years in jail for the charges. The deadline for Harris to accept the plea bargain was extended until 11 a.m. Friday. Callihan said if an agreement is not reached, prosecutors are ready to select a jury next Thursday and start trying Harris.

Neither Harris' defense attorney nor Harris would comment on if she would accept the plea bargain. Stay with WJACTV.com, WJAC-TV News and WJACTV.com Mobile for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: January 28, 2009: Man Remains In Critical Condition After Accident January 27, 2009: One Dead, Three Injured In Cambria County Crash

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