A Jessup man was sentenced to 13 years in prison for collision that killed one person and severely injured another last March.  Brandon Hinkley, 40, has been sentenced for one count of negligent manslaughter and one count of life-threatening injuries while under the influence.  Mr. Hinkley pleaded guilty to the charges on November 19, 2019.

The three-vehicle collision happened on Friday, March 15, 2019, when Selvin Lopez and his passenger, Rosman Canales, were driving westbound on I-195 in a 2005 Nissan Quest.  A 2008 Toyota Rav-4, driven by Mr. Hinkley, was driving east in the westbound lanes and hit the Nissan head-on.  Mr. Hinkley rotated clockwise and then struck the back of another vehicle. All three vehicles then landed on the shoulder of road on the Patapsco River Bridge.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene shortly before 1:30 AM and transported Mr. Lopez and Mr. Hinkley to Shock Trauma for serious injuries. Mr. Canales was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On the scene, police observed Mr. Hinkley showing signs of impairment, with the smell of alcohol coming from his breath. Responded officers also stated that he had bloodshot and glassy eyes.  A 350 ml bottle of whiskey was found on the front floorboard by the gas pedal in Mr. Hinkley’s vehicle and an empty 350 ml bottle of bourbon was found behind the front passenger seat.  At the time of the crash, Mr. Hinkley’s blood-alcohol level was at .16, two times the legal limit in Maryland.

The Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Mr. Hinkley with several crimes after he was released from the hospital, including: manslaughter, criminally negligent manslaughter, homicide by motor vehicle under the influence, homicide by motor vehicle under the influence per se, homicide by a motor vehicle impaired by alcohol, life threatening injury by a motor vehicle under the influence, life threatening injury by a mother vehicle under the influence per se, life threatening injury by a motor vehicle while impaired, driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol per se, driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, and driving the wrong direction on a one-way road.

The attorneys at Azrael Franz aggressively seek financial compensation for victims of impaired drivers and their families.  Before and after the conclusion of the case, Azrael Franz attorneys are also available to assist the victim and their family with any needed estate planning or other legal matters.  If you or a loved one has been the victim of impaired driving, contact Azrael Franz now for a free case evaluation.  We’re here to help.