Woman Sentenced for Fatal Crash After 2 DUIs in 2 Days

Lydia Hanson, 32, pleaded guilty to automobile manslaughter in the death of 78-year-old Richard Snyder.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:27am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, the jagged, splintered glass conceptually representing the violent aftermath of a drunk driving crash.The aftermath of a deadly drunk driving crash exposes the harsh realities of the consequences of reckless behavior on the road.Baltimore Today

A Baltimore woman was sentenced on April 1 for her role in a fatal crash that killed a 78-year-old man in March 2025. Lydia Hanson, 32, was found guilty of automobile manslaughter in the two-vehicle crash along Rt. 97 that killed Richard Snyder. Hanson was driving drunk, with a blood alcohol content four times the legal limit, and speeding at 99 mph in a 55-mph zone when she crossed the center line and struck Snyder's oncoming truck.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of drunk driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. It also raises questions about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the justice system in deterring such dangerous behavior.

The details

Officials said Hanson was stopped the day before the fatal crash, also for a DUI, within a few miles of where the collision occurred. In the March 16 crash, Hanson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison, with an additional six years suspended, as well as five years of supervised probation. In the March 15 DUI, she pleaded not guilty with an agreed statement of facts but was still found guilty.

  • On March 15, 2025, Hanson was stopped for a DUI within a few miles of the fatal crash site.
  • On March 16, 2025, Hanson was involved in the fatal crash that killed 78-year-old Richard Snyder.
  • On April 1, 2026, Hanson was sentenced for her role in the fatal crash.

The players

Lydia Hanson

A 32-year-old Baltimore woman who was found guilty of automobile manslaughter in the death of Richard Snyder.

Richard Snyder

A 78-year-old man who was killed in the two-vehicle crash on Rt. 97 when Hanson's vehicle crossed the center line and struck his oncoming truck.

Judge Brian DeLeonardo

The judge who sentenced Hanson, saying her driving was "extreme and dangerous, and it was no surprise that someone died."

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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.”

— Judge Brian DeLeonardo, Judge

What’s next

Hanson will serve her nine-year sentence with an additional six years suspended, as well as five years of supervised probation.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to address repeat drunk driving offenders and prevent such devastating crashes from occurring in the future. It also highlights the devastating impact drunk driving can have on innocent lives and the importance of the justice system in holding offenders accountable.