Fatal Leonardtown Crash: Kendall Deshong, 34, Formally Indicted Following March 19 Collision.

Fatal Leonardtown Crash, Kendall Deshong, 34, Formally Indicted Following March 19 Collision.

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Kendall Deshong, 34, of Avenue, has been formally indicted and charged via criminal summons in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on March 19, 2025, at the intersection of Maryland Route 5 (Point Lookout Road) and Maryland Route 4 (St. Andrews Church Road). The charges include negligent manslaughter involving a motor vehicle, criminally negligent manslaughter, reckless driving, negligent driving endangering life and property, and driving while license suspended.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team has led the investigation since the incident. Authorities report that 66-year-old James Michael Lacey had parked his Chevrolet Colorado on the northbound shoulder of Route 5 with emergency flashers activated. A Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 33-year-old man, veered off the roadway, striking Lacey and his vehicle. First responders found Lacey unresponsive and, despite CPR efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Silverado driver sustained injuries and was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.

Emergency crews confirmed the collision involved two vehicles, with one overturned and a victim ejected. Route 5 was closed for over two hours while the crash site was investigated and cleared.

Deshong’s initial appearance is scheduled for April 20, 2026. The St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office will review the Maryland State Police findings to determine the final course of legal action. The investigation remains active, and authorities have advised motorists to exercise caution in the area due to ongoing safety concerns and the complex nature of the collision. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.