Teen gets 7 years for fatal crash while fleeing police

Seven years in prison is the sentence given to a Maryland teenager for the death of a Prince George’s County mother. Michael Collins, who was 16 when the accident occurred, received the term on Friday in Upper Marlboro for one count of grossly negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle and one count of auto theft. The judge also granted Collins credit for 435 days he had already served. Upon his release from prison, he will serve five years of probation. A separate five-year sentence for the car theft was suspended.

The fatal collision occurred on August 26, 2025, in Landover. Police reported that Collins was driving a stolen vehicle with three other juvenile passengers. He was speeding and ran a red light at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Highway and Sheriff Road. The car struck a vehicle driven by Shaunte Denise Canty, 35. Canty died in the crash. Her 2-year-old son, who is non-verbal, was also in the car. Canty also left behind a 6-year-old daughter.

The presiding judge distinguished the case from a typical teen joyride. Collins had already been on probation when he stole the vehicle. He was also actively trying to escape from law enforcement at the time of the crash. The judge cited Collins’ criminal history, which dates back to 2023 and includes robbery, armed robbery, and unauthorized vehicle use. As an additional condition of his probation, Collins must complete eight hours of community service each year on August 26, the anniversary of the crash.

Canty’s family members spoke in court after the sentencing. Colleta Chase, Canty’s mother, read a victim impact statement. She said she never imagined losing her daughter under such circumstances. “I don’t think justice was served… it’s not fair,” Chase said. Family members fought back tears as they described the impact of the loss. They stated they do not believe Collins’ apology, which he read aloud in court, was genuine. The family argued that Collins should be serving life in prison, maintaining that the current punishment does not go far enough.

Collins is now scheduled to begin serving his time in the Maryland state prison system. He will serve his seven-year sentence less the 435 days of credit. After his prison term ends, he will report to a probation officer for five years. He must complete his annual community service requirement on the anniversary of the crash during that period. The Prince George's County court issued the final judgment this week.