Baltimore Woman Sentenced After Fatal Crash Kills Westminster Man

Lydia Hanson received 9 years in prison for automobile manslaughter and a prior DUI the day before the fatal incident.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:20pm

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A 32-year-old Baltimore woman named Lydia Hanson was sentenced to 9 years in prison for her role in a fatal crash that killed a 78-year-old Westminster man named Richard Snyder in March 2025. Hanson was found guilty of automobile manslaughter after crossing the center line on Route 97 while driving drunk at 99 mph and striking Snyder's oncoming truck. Officials said Hanson's blood alcohol content was four times the legal limit in Maryland, and she had been arrested for a separate DUI the day before the fatal collision.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of drunk driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent victims and their families. It also raises questions about repeat offenders and whether current laws and sentencing guidelines are effective deterrents for those who continue to drive under the influence despite prior arrests.

The details

According to court documents, on March 15, 2025, Lydia Hanson was stopped and arrested for a DUI within a few miles of where the fatal crash would occur the next day. The following day, on March 16, 2025, Hanson was driving 99 mph in a 55 mph zone on Route 97 when she crossed the center line and struck an oncoming truck driven by 78-year-old Richard Snyder. Snyder was killed in the collision. Hanson's blood alcohol content was measured at 0.34, four times the legal limit in Maryland.

  • On March 15, 2025, Hanson was arrested for a DUI within a few miles of the fatal crash site.
  • On March 16, 2025, the fatal crash occurred on Route 97.

The players

Lydia Hanson

A 32-year-old Baltimore woman who was convicted of automobile manslaughter and sentenced to 9 years in prison for a fatal crash that killed a 78-year-old man.

Richard Snyder

A 78-year-old Westminster man who was killed in the March 16, 2025 crash when Lydia Hanson's vehicle crossed the center line and struck his oncoming truck.

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What they’re saying

“You didn't intend to kill the victim, but you did intend the behavior that led up to it. The day before you were arrested and charged and you would think that would have been a wake-up call to you and it wasn't. The driving was extreme and dangerous, and it was no surprise that someone died.”

— Judge Brian DeLeonardo

The takeaway

This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the urgent need for stronger enforcement, education, and rehabilitation efforts to prevent such senseless loss of life on our roads. It also highlights the importance of the judicial system in holding repeat offenders accountable and sending a clear message that driving under the influence will not be tolerated.