Maryland Suspects Face Manslaughter Charges
Two suspects from Maryland were charged with manslaughter and negligent homicide after crashing into each other in a highway construction zone, leading to the deaths of six road workers in March. Maryland State Police identified Lisa Adrienne Lea and Melachi Duane Darnell Brown as the suspects related to the deaths of the highway workers.
Lea, a 54-year-old resident of Randallstown, was driving a 2017 Acura TLX at approximately 12:40 p.m. on March 22 when she attempted to change lanes. While changing lanes, her vehicle struck the corner panel of a Volkswagen Passat driven by Brown, according to police reports. The collision caused Lea’s car to lose control and drive through a barrier in the work zone, flipping over on the left shoulder, where construction crews were working.
Lea & Brown: Multiple Charges Filed Against Them
Both Lea and Brown were indicted on six counts of manslaughter and negligent homicide as well as one count of conducting an unsafe lane change, speeding, failing to control their speed to avoid a collision, following a vehicle too closely, negligent driving, and aggressive driving, while operating a motor vehicle. Lea was also charged with driving under the influence.
Names of Deceased Highway Workers Revealed
When emergency personnel arrived at the scene of the crash, they announced the deaths of six workers. Maryland police identified the deceased workers as Rolando Ruiz, 46, of Laurel; Carlos Orlando Villatoro Escobar, 43, of Frederick; Jose Armando Escobar, 52, of Frederick; Mahlon Simmons III, 31, of Union Bridge; Mahlon Simmons II, 52, of Union Bridge; and Sybil Lee Dimaggio, 46, of Glen Burnie.
Brown Released on Home Detention, Lea Surrendered to Police
Brown was arrested on Monday and was released to home detention following an appearance in court. Lea surrendered on Wednesday morning at the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack and was processed soon after.
The crash team completed its investigation into the incident and handed over the findings to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, which determined the charges against both Brown and Lea.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.