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Parts Thieves from Paul Walker Crash Could Face Months in Jail

As fans tried to find ways to cope with untimely deaths of Paul Walker and Roger Rodas last year, at least two men were trying to find ways to make money off the tragedy. Now, both men could face time in jail for stealing parts off the car as it was being transported away from the crash scene.
Paul Walker crash 1 photo
Photo: chilltweetss on Twitter
Anthony Edward Janow, 26, and James Brooks Witty, 18, were eventually arrested for taking a carbon fiber roof panel from the destroyed 2005 Porsche Carrera GT as it was being towed away. There were multiple witnesses of the theft as well as a video, but the most incriminating evidence may have come from Witty’s Instagram account where he posted a picture of the stolen part.

The LA Times is reporting that Janow and Witty were in court last week and both men faced misdemeanor charges of destroying evidence and resisting or delaying a police officer, which could have landed them a jail sentence of six months. Janow pleaded no contest to felony grand theft, while Witty pleaded no contest to grand theft. Sentencing for Witty will take place on August 14th, while Janow has to wait until October 23rd to learn his fate.

On November 30th, Rodas crashed the Porsche with Walker riding along as a passenger. Police eventually concluded that the car was traveling more than 90 miles per hour – more than twice the legal speed limit for the area. The report also showed that both men died instantly when the car jumped a curb, hit a light pole and series of trees and then burst into flames.

Walker was in the middle of filming Fast and Furious 7 at the time of his death, but filming has restarted with his brothers and computer animation to complete his scenes. The seventh installment of the popular Fast and Furious franchise will open in theaters on April 3, 2015.
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