Middletown, DE (December 10, 2025) – A pregnant woman and her newborn were tragically affected by a two-car crash on Wednesday, December 3, at Jamison Corner Road and Boyds Corner Road. Police later arrested the other driver for murder and several related charges.
The crash happened around 9:45 p.m. A Mazda CX-9 was heading south on Jamison Corner Rd toward a green light. At the same time, a Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling east on Boyds Corner Rd toward a red light at the same intersection. Investigators said the Jeep did not stop and struck the passenger side of the Mazda.
The Mazda’s driver, a 31-year-old Middletown woman who was pregnant, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Doctors delivered her baby, La’Royce Johnson-Young, because of complications from the crash. The newborn passed away on Saturday, December 6.
The Jeep driver, 28-year-old Pavan Patel of Townsend, was not hurt. Troopers reported signs of impairment and charged him that night with DUI and failure to stop at a red light. The roadway remained closed for about 90 minutes during the investigation.
After learning of the baby’s death, detectives met with the Delaware Department of Justice, which approved additional charges. Patel turned himself in on Wednesday, December 10, and now faces murder, assault, DUI, and traffic offenses. He is being held on a $280,102 cash bond.
The crash remains under investigation as officials continue gathering evidence. We extend sincere wishes for recovery to those injured in this incident.
Fatal Crashes in Delaware
Fatal car accidents leave families with significant emotional and financial hardships. In Delaware, busy roads and growing traffic contribute to the risk of serious collisions like the tragic crash reported here. Many severe wrecks involve speeding, impairment, or a failure to obey traffic signals. When drivers act carelessly, the consequences can change lives in an instant.
A crash involving a pregnant woman and the loss of a newborn highlights the devastating impact a single reckless moment can have. Every
year, Delaware sees families struggle after similar tragedies. This is one reason many people seek help from a Wilmington personal injury lawyer after a serious collision. An attorney can explain victims’ rights, guide them through insurance claims, and help them understand the financial support that may be available.
Common damages in serious crashes often include medical costs, lost income, future care needs, and emotional suffering. In cases involving the death of a child or adult, a wrongful death claim may also be possible. A Delaware wrongful death lawyer can help families pursue the resources needed to move forward, especially when criminal charges are involved. Even if law enforcement takes action, victims still need civil support to cover the long-term effects of a crash.
Understanding why these wrecks happen can help families make informed choices after an accident. Impaired driving continues to be a major concern across the state. Crashes caused by alcohol or drugs often lead to the most severe injuries because drivers may speed or ignore traffic signals. Distracted driving is another growing factor, especially at busy intersections like those in Middletown and surrounding areas.
Anyone involved in a serious collision should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. A Wilmington accident lawyer can help gather evidence early, work with experts, and protect a victim’s rights from the start. Legal support is especially important when injuries are severe or when a crash involves criminal charges.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a crash in Wilmington or anywhere in Delaware, don’t wait to get help. Call Murphy & Landon at 302-472-8100 today for a free consultation.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Please contact Murphy & Landon if you find any inaccurate information. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
