UPDATE: Continuing
investigation in the fatal motor vehicle collision by the St. Mary’s County
Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and the Sheriff’s Office
Collision Reconstruction Unit, it was determined this motor vehicle collision
was a result of an intentional act.
On October 9, 2019, Avery
Leslie Stokes, age 19 of Indian Head, was charged with First Degree Murder. Stokes
remains incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation
Center on a no bond status.
On
May 18, 2019, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to
the 40900 block of New Market Turner Road in the area of Rustin Family Way, for
the reported motor vehicle collision.
Upon arrival a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, with three occupants, was located
off the roadway into a tree. The operator of the vehicle, Avery Leslie Stokes,
age 18 of Indian Head, and the front seat passenger Alexandra Catherine Howard,
age 18 of Mechanicsville, were flown to area trauma centers for incapacitating
injuries. The rear seat passenger, Thomas Edward Douglas, age 63 of
Mechanicsville, was pronounced deceased on scene. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and continued the
investigation.
Preliminary
investigation determined the vehicle was traveling eastbound on New Market
Turner Road when for unknown reasons the vehicle crossed the center-line,
over-corrected and left the roadway striking a tree. At this time driver error and lack of
seat belt usage appear to be contributing factors in the fatal collision. Anyone
who may have witnessed the collision or any events leading to the collision is
asked to contact Corporal Brandon Foor at (301) 475-4200 extension *2265 or by
email at Brandon.Foor@stmarysmd.com.
For official news and information,
follow the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter @firstsheriff.
Avery Leslie Stokes
