LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Michael Anthony Carlucci, 50, of Waldorf, Maryland, was convicted of manslaughter by vehicle on March 24, 2025, following a high-speed crash in Mechanicsville that killed another driver in May 2023. State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced the verdict, which came after an extensive investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office revealed Carlucci’s reckless driving as the cause of the fatal three-vehicle collision. Carlucci faces up to 10 years in prison and remains in custody without bond pending sentencing.
The crash occurred in May 2023 when deputies responded to reports of a multi-vehicle accident on a Mechanicsville roadway. Upon arrival, they found two vehicles overturned and a third involved in the collision. One driver suffered minor injuries, while another was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation, led by Corporal Jason Smith, determined that Carlucci had attempted to pass multiple vehicles by driving onto the shoulder at excessive speed. His maneuver caused his vehicle to strike the victim’s, triggering the deadly rollover.
“Every action behind the wheel carries great responsibility,” Sterling said in a statement. “The Defendant’s choice to excessively speed and recklessly endanger those on the road needlessly took an innocent life and will cause a lifetime of heartbreak for the victim’s family.” She emphasized her office’s commitment to prosecuting dangerous drivers to enhance road safety, adding, “Our office is committed to holding dangerous drivers accountable and ensuring safer roads for our community—because everyone deserves to make it home to their loved ones.”
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Mike McGraw, representing St. Mary’s County residents. The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the proceedings in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. Carlucci’s conviction for manslaughter by vehicle, a felony under Maryland law, carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, per the Maryland Code. Sentencing details will be determined at a later date.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office investigation relied on witness accounts, crash scene analysis, and vehicle data to establish Carlucci’s speed and actions as the primary factors. Excessive speed remains a leading cause of fatal crashes in Maryland, with the state reporting 563 traffic deaths in 2023, according to preliminary data from the Maryland Department of Transportation. This incident underscores ongoing efforts to curb reckless driving in the region.
Carlucci, a Waldorf resident, had no prior publicized criminal history related to this case, but his decision to pass on the shoulder—a maneuver prohibited under Maryland traffic laws—led to catastrophic consequences.
The conviction marks a significant step in addressing road safety in St. Mary’s County, where Sterling has prioritized traffic-related prosecutions since taking office. The sheriff’s office continues to partner with state and local agencies to reduce preventable roadway deaths, a mission highlighted in its public safety campaigns. As Carlucci awaits sentencing, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in driving decisions.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 3/25/2025 to correct the name of the convicted individual.
