HAZLETON MAN FACES HOMICIDE BY VEHICLE CHARGES NEARLY A YEAR AFTER FATAL I-81 CRASH THAT KILLED SHENANDOAH MAN

HAZLETON MAN FACES HOMICIDE BY VEHICLE CHARGES NEARLY A YEAR AFTER FATAL I-81 CRASH THAT KILLED SHENANDOAH MAN

Nearly a year after a devastating three-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 claimed the life of a Shenandoah man, a 28-year-old Hazleton man is now facing serious criminal charges as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision.

Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville announced that Rafael Angel Ceballos, 28, was charged on Monday, November 2, 2026, in connection with the November 14, 2025, crash that killed Danyel Miller of Shenandoah.

According to investigators, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 5:49 p.m. near mile marker 135.5 on Interstate 81 South in Delano Township. The crash involved a 2024 Honda Civic driven by Ceballos, a 2016 Audi Q5 driven by Miller, and an International tractor-trailer operated by Charvel Prophete of Columbus, Ohio.

Authorities allege that both passenger vehicles were traveling at extremely dangerous speeds exceeding 100 mph in a posted 65 mph zone shortly before the collision.

According to an affidavit filed by Trooper Gregory Monaghan, investigators examined witness statements, cellphone footage, dashboard camera recordings, and electronic crash data recovered from the vehicles.

The reconstruction reportedly determined that Ceballos’ Honda Civic was traveling approximately 114.3 mph at the moment of its initial impact, with the accelerator pedal fully depressed. Miller’s Audi was reportedly traveling approximately 112 mph five seconds before the collision and approximately 103 mph when it struck the Honda.

Investigators allege that the two vehicles were traveling southbound in the left lane, with Ceballos following behind Miller. Police said the Honda flashed its headlights before moving into the right lane and accelerating to match the Audi’s speed.

As the vehicles approached slower-moving traffic, investigators allege that Miller remained in the left lane while Ceballos drove onto the right shoulder to pass other vehicles.

After passing two vehicles, Ceballos attempted to return to the roadway and struck the rear of the tractor-trailer’s trailer. The impact sent the Honda into the left lane, where Miller’s Audi struck it from behind. The Honda then reportedly collided with the tractor-trailer a second time before coming to rest along the right lane and shoulder.

The impact caused Miller’s Audi to enter the grassy median and overturn. Investigators said Miller was ejected from the vehicle before it came to rest on Interstate 81 North.

Tragically, Miller sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office.

The tractor-trailer driver, Prophete, managed to bring his vehicle to a controlled stop along the southbound shoulder.

During an interview at the scene, Ceballos reportedly told investigators that the Audi had not been allowing him to pass and acknowledged using the shoulder to get around two vehicles before striking the tractor-trailer while attempting to return to the roadway.

Following the investigation, Ceballos was charged with third-degree felony counts of homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle, a misdemeanor count of involuntary manslaughter, and eight summary traffic offenses.

The charges mark a significant development in a case that began with a tragic loss of life on Interstate 81 nearly one year ago.

For Danyel Miller’s loved ones, the crash represents a heartbreaking loss that cannot be undone. As the legal process moves forward, his family and friends continue to face the reality of losing someone whose life was taken far too soon.

The case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from excessive speed and dangerous driving decisions. Traveling at more than 100 mph on a busy interstate can place countless lives at risk, leaving families and communities to deal with unimaginable heartbreak.

May Danyel Miller be remembered, and may his loved ones find strength and comfort as they continue to navigate this difficult loss.