A Lancaster County woman faces multiple charges, including felony homicide by vehicle, following a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 16-year-old. Mikayla Victoria Mustard, 24, is accused of using Snapchat while driving, resulting in the death of Curtis Michael Groff on may 2, 2024.

the Incident

According to the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department, the incident occurred on West Sun Hill Road in Penn Township at approximately 9:30 p.m. mr.Groff was operating a weed whacker on the grass shoulder near Kreiders Cemetery, taking precautions to ensure his safety.

Investigators believe Ms. Mustard was looking at her phone to read a Snapchat message when her 2009 Nissan Maxima veered off the road, striking Mr. Groff. Police emphasized that Mr. Groff was not in the roadway and had placed traffic cones to warn drivers.

Aftermath and Inquiry

Ms. Mustard allegedly did not stop after the collision. Instead, she drove to her Harrisburg home before returning to the scene in her father’s car. She initially told police she thought she had hit a deer or a rock.

However, physical evidence at the scene told a different story. Officers recovered a damaged weed whacker, tire tracks in the grass, vehicle debris, and a displaced traffic cone. Data extracted from Ms. Mustard’s phone revealed she had unlocked it to read a Snapchat message moments before the collision. further analysis showed she continued sending messages after the crash,including one stating,there was blood on her car and she would go to jail if she hurt someone.

The Charges

Ms. Mustard is facing a range of charges,reflecting the severity of the incident:

• Felony Accidents Involving Death Or Personal Injury
• Felony Homicide By Vehicle
• Misdemeanor Involuntary Manslaughter
• Misdemeanor Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• Summary Reckless Driving
• Summary Prohibiting Text-based Communications
• Summary Disregarding Traffic Lane

Her preliminary arraignment is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge Torrey J. Landis.

Remembering Curtis Groff

Curtis Michael Groff was a homeschooled 11th grader in the Manheim Area Christian Home School Co-Op. He was actively involved in his community, working for Buck’s Lawn Care Service of Lititz and Westview Enterprises of Manheim. He also served as the youth group president at White Oak Church and played on the church softball team.

According to his obituary,Mr.Groff enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and riding dirt bikes. A Festivity of Life was held at White Oak Church in Manheim on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Donations in Curtis’s memory can be sent to Align life Ministries, 131 South 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042.

Call for Information

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Cpl. alex Good at NLCRPD (717) 733-0965,or Lancaster County Crime Stoppers at (800) 322-1913.