Man Convicted in Fatal Beltway Crash Faces New Charges

Melachi Brown was previously sentenced for 2023 crash that killed 6 construction workers

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Melachi Brown, who was convicted in a 2023 fatal crash on the Baltimore Beltway that killed six construction workers, is now facing new charges for allegedly driving on a suspended license while on probation. The crash was found to be caused by excessive speed, with both Brown and another driver exceeding 120 mph at the time. The DiMaggio family, who lost a loved one in the crash, is suing the state and the construction company, arguing that more should have been done to protect the workers.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues with repeat offenders and the challenges of ensuring public safety on highways, especially in construction zones. It also raises questions about the adequacy of sentencing and probation policies, as well as the responsibility of the state and construction companies to protect workers.

The details

Brown was pulled over in December for a broken taillight and was found to be driving without a license, which was suspended as part of his probation from the 2023 fatal crash conviction. He had completed his prison sentence for that previous conviction. The DiMaggio family is suing the state and the construction company, arguing that more safety measures should have been in place to protect the workers.

  • In March 2023, the fatal crash on the Baltimore Beltway occurred, killing 6 construction workers.
  • In 2024, Brown took a plea deal and was sentenced to prison for his role in the 2023 crash.
  • On December 9, 2025, Brown was pulled over for a broken taillight and charged with driving on a suspended license.
  • On February 12, 2026, Brown appeared in court for the new charges related to the suspended license.

The players

Melachi Brown

A driver convicted in the 2023 fatal crash on the Baltimore Beltway that killed 6 construction workers, who is now facing new charges for allegedly driving on a suspended license while on probation.

James DiMaggio

The brother of Sybil DiMaggio, who died in the 2023 Beltway crash. The DiMaggio family is suing the state and the construction company, arguing that more should have been done to protect the workers.

Lisa Lea

Another driver involved in the 2023 fatal Beltway crash, who was also found to be driving over 120 mph at the time of the incident.

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What they’re saying

“It has been almost three years now. It has been one delay after another. It has been one excuse after another.”

— James DiMaggio, Brother of crash victim

“I'm just pulling myself out of a dark hole from two years ago. And I promise you this right now, I wasn't trying to endanger anybody. I wasn't trying to do anything crazy.”

— Melachi Brown (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“Nobody went out to kill anybody. It's an accident. What I really want to say to people is, I just had to drive through that construction site. Slow down. People are still in and out of traffic. You could be sitting here doing the same thing I'm doing, upset that your sister, your wife, your loved one is dead now because somebody had to drive too fast.”

— James DiMaggio, Brother of crash victim

What’s next

Brown's case was postponed until March 12 after the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case and decided two additional counts for driving on a suspended license were necessary.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring public safety on highways, especially in construction zones, and the need for stronger accountability measures for repeat offenders. It also underscores the devastating impact that reckless driving can have on families and communities.