Police car at the scene of a criminal related incident
Police car at the scene of a criminal related incident

Two men killed in I-97 crash after vehicle strikes trees and overturns in Anne Arundel County

June 18, 2025

CROWNSVILLE, Md. — Maryland State Police are investigating a double fatal crash that occurred Tuesday night along northbound Interstate 97 in Anne Arundel County.

The victims have been identified as Thomas Oliver Sellman III, 30, of Churchton, and Marcus Eric James Jr., 29, of Shady Side. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

According to a preliminary investigation, the crash occurred around 9:03 p.m. when Sellman, driving a Dodge Durango, left the roadway for unknown reasons. The vehicle veered off the right shoulder into a wooded area, struck two trees, and overturned. James was riding as a passenger.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police Annapolis Barrack responded to the scene along with personnel from the Anne Arundel County Police Department and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, who assisted with road closures and traffic control for roughly four hours.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is continuing to lead the investigation into the cause of the incident.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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