Maryland Woman Sentenced to 9 Years After Fatal Crash, Was Stopped for DUI a Day Earlier

A Baltimore, Maryland woman has been found guilty of automobile manslaughter and sentenced to nine years in prison after killing a 78-year-old man in a fatal crash.

Ironically, she had been stopped for driving under influence (DUI) the day before, within a few miles of where the collision occurred.

On April 1, Lydia Hanson, 32, was sentenced by Judge Brian L. DeLeonardo in the death of Richard Snyder, according to the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office.

On March 16, 2025, Hanson was driving drunk on Route 97 when she crossed over the center line and struck an oncoming truck driven by Snyder, of Westminster.

He was killed in the crash, leaving behind a wife to whom he had been married for 52 years.

Hanson was reportedly seen by multiple witnesses driving erratically and at a high rate of speed.

“She crossed into the northbound lane while heading southbound and caused multiple oncoming vehicles to have to swerve to avoid being struck,” a press release from the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office said.

“Hanson then ran head-on into Snyder’s vehicle and killed him.”

After being taken to a hospital, Hanson allegedly refused a blood test to determine her blood alcohol content.

Maryland State Police (MSP) then secured a search and seizure warrant and drew a sample, which showed her blood alcohol content was 0.34—four times the legal limit in Maryland.

Investigators reported that around the time of the crash, she was traveling approximately ninety-nine miles per hour in a fifty-five mile-per-hour zone and in the opposite lane.

Judge Brian L. DeLeonardo stated during sentencing that “these are the worst facts I have seen in any of these cases.”

“You didn't intend to kill the victim, but you did intend the behavior that led up to it. The day before you were arrested and charged, and you would think that would have been a wake-up call to you, and it wasn’t. Several hours after the crash your BAC (blood alcohol level) was 0.34 and that is incomprehensible,” he added.

DeLeonardo said Hanson’s driving was “extreme” and “dangerous,” and it was “no surprise that someone died.”

Caroll county State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker said, “These facts are egregious; the sentence the defendant received is the least of her problems. She must live everyday knowing that she took a life as a result of her extremely avoidable actions.”

In his obituary, Snyder was described as a lifelong car enthusiast and auto body mechanic.

“He loved fixing and building things, camping, decorating for holidays and he loved his country music. He could take apart and rebuild an entire car, but couldn’t quite get the hang of a remote to turn on his beloved car shows on TV,” the obituary read.

“Most of all, he loved his wife and the life they built together, spending evenings watching TV and having ice cream together, along with the family pet, Puppins, with whom he shared a special bond,” the statement continued.

“He was loved by many and had friends wherever he went, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”