Unlicensed Teen Charged In Red-Light Crash That Killed 88

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A Maryland teen accused of slamming into the back of a car at a Gaithersburg red light — killing an 88-year-old woman inside — has now been charged months after the crash, police said.

Liam Donnelly Coskun, 18, of Germantown, turned himself in on Friday, Nov. 21, after investigators obtained an arrest warrant in the death of Myrtle Gottlieb of Rockville, according to the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit.

The crash happened on Saturday, May 31, around 8:35 a.m., at the intersection of westbound Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road in Gaithersburg, police said.

Officers said a blue 2017 Toyota Corolla was stopped at the red light when it was hit from behind by Coskun, who was driving a blue 2018 Jeep Compass.

Gottlieb, who was the front-seat passenger in the Toyota, suffered serious injuries in the collision and was taken to an area hospital. She died from her injuries on Wednesday, June 4, investigators said.

Police said Coskun “was intoxicated and traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed into the rear of the Toyota.” Investigators said he was arrested at the scene “on suspicion of driving under the influence.”

About two hours after the crash, Coskun submitted to a breathalyzer test that registered a 0.09 BAC, police said. Investigators also confirmed he “does not have a valid driver’s license in any state.”

Upon completing the investigation, CRU detectives said Coskun was at fault and has now been charged with negligent manslaughter by vehicle and negligent homicide by vehicle while under the influence.

He is being held without bond at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, police said.