MIDDLETOWN, DE — Delaware State Police have charged a Townsend man with murder and multiple related offenses following an alleged impaired-driving collision last week that resulted in the death of an infant delivered after the crash.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on Wednesday, December 3, at approximately 9:45 p.m. A Mazda CX-9 was traveling south on Jamison Corner Road with a green signal at Boyds Corner Road when a Jeep Grand Cherokee approached the same intersection heading eastbound. Police allege the Jeep entered the intersection against a red signal and struck the passenger side of the Mazda.
The Mazda’s driver, a 31-year-old pregnant woman from Middletown, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Due to complications related to the collision, she gave birth to her baby, La’Royce Johnson-Young. Three days later, on December 6, the infant was pronounced dead.
The Jeep’s driver, identified as 28-year-old Pavan Patel of Townsend, was uninjured. Troopers reported observing signs of impairment, and Patel was taken to Troop 9, where he was initially charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to stop at a red light. Police state the roadway remained closed for approximately 90 minutes during the investigation and cleanup.
Following the child’s death, the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit consulted with the Delaware Department of Justice, which authorized additional charges. Patel surrendered to Troop 2 on December 10, where he was arraigned and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $280,102.00 cash bond.
Patel faces the following charges, all of which remain allegations:
- Murder 2nd Degree Recklessly Caused Death with Indifference to Human Life (Felony)
- Assault First Degree (Felony)
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 2 counts
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- Speeding
- Failure to Stop at a Red Light
As with all criminal matters, a suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue reviewing evidence connected to the fatal crash.
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