GAITHERSBURG, MD – An 18-year-old Germantown man has been charged in connection with a May collision that claimed the life of an 88-year-old Rockville woman, following a months-long investigation by Montgomery County police.
Detectives with the department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) announced that Liam Donnelly Coskun turned himself in on November 21 after an active warrant was issued for his arrest.
The charges stem from a two-vehicle crash that occurred on May 31 at about 8:35 a.m. near the intersection of westbound Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road in Gaithersburg.
Investigators say a blue 2017 Toyota Corolla, stopped at a red light, was struck from behind by a blue 2018 Jeep Compass driven by Coskun.
The impact caused critical injuries to front-seat passenger Myrtle Gottlieb, who later died at a hospital on June 4. The Toyota’s driver was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigation finds driver intoxicated and unlicensed
Police determined that Coskun was intoxicated and speeding at the time of the crash. Although uninjured, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence at the scene.
Roughly two hours after the collision, Coskun registered a blood alcohol content of 0.09 percent, just above Maryland’s legal limit of 0.08. Investigators also discovered that he did not possess a valid driver’s license in any state.
Charges filed after review of evidence
After completing their investigation, CRU detectives concluded that Coskun’s actions caused the fatal collision. He now faces charges of negligent manslaughter by vehicle and negligent homicide by vehicle while under the influence.
Police officials said the case underscores the dangers of impaired and unlicensed driving, noting that the department continues to prioritize enforcement of serious traffic violations that endanger others.