Man convicted in deadly Beltway crash cited for driving without license

Victim's family outraged after Melachi Brown, who served reduced sentence, was pulled over driving illegally

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Melachi Brown, one of the drivers sentenced for the 2023 Baltimore Beltway work zone crash that killed six construction workers, was pulled over in December for driving without a license. The brother of one of the victims, Jim DiMaggio, is outraged and believes Brown should never be behind the wheel of a vehicle. Brown had previously petitioned a judge to let him serve the remainder of his sentence on home detention, which was granted despite opposition from prosecutors.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the justice system in ensuring public safety, especially for vulnerable road users like construction workers. It also raises questions about the sentencing and parole process, and whether enough is being done to prevent dangerous drivers from getting back on the road.

The details

In March 2023, Brown pleaded guilty to negligent manslaughter in the deaths of six construction workers on the Baltimore Beltway. He was originally sentenced to 60 years in prison, but all but 18 months of the sentence was suspended. In June 2024, Brown successfully petitioned a judge to let him serve the remaining portion of his sentence on home detention, citing depression and anxiety. In December 2025, Brown was pulled over for driving without a license, which was part of his original punishment.

  • In March 2023, the deadly Beltway crash occurred.
  • In June 2024, Brown petitioned a judge to serve the remainder of his sentence on home detention.
  • In December 2025, Brown was pulled over for driving without a license.

The players

Melachi Brown

One of the drivers sentenced for the 2023 Baltimore Beltway work zone crash that killed six construction workers. He was pulled over in December 2025 for driving without a license, which was part of his original punishment.

Jim DiMaggio

The brother of one of the victims, Sybil DiMaggio, who was killed in the 2023 Beltway crash. He is outraged that Brown was caught driving without a license and believes Brown should never be behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Judge Vicki Ballou-Watts

The judge who granted Brown's request to serve the remainder of his sentence on home detention in 2024, despite opposition from prosecutors.

Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger

The state's attorney who is actively pursuing the new case against Brown for driving without a license in December 2025.

Lisa Lea

The other driver involved in the 2023 Beltway crash, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison last month.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was furious. I only had to go off what the state's attorney had to tell us, and she said his license would be suspended forever. It turns out, it was revoked, and he didn't listen to that either.”

— Jim DiMaggio, Brother of victim Sybil DiMaggio (WJZ Investigates)

“For a person such as you who has stepped up, who has not been identified as the primary cause… I believe it is appropriate to take [this] action.”

— Judge Vicki Ballou-Watts (WJZ Investigates)

“This is a lot for me with somebody who hasn't ever dealt with court systems, somebody who's never had a bad record, and for somebody who was in the wrong place at the wrong time for this to happen to them, and then it's like you're trying to fight for your dignity.”

— Melachi Brown (WJZ Investigates)

“I still take accountability for everything. I'm still a person at the same time.”

— Melachi Brown (WJZ Investigates)

What’s next

Brown will be back in court in March for his December 2025 driving on a revoked license case, which the Baltimore County State's Attorney's office is "actively pursuing".

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the justice system in ensuring public safety, especially for vulnerable road users like construction workers. It also raises questions about the sentencing and parole process, and whether enough is being done to prevent dangerous drivers from getting back on the road.