SAMMY HWANG SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR TWO COUNTS OF GROSSLY NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER BY AUTOMOBILE

Salisbury, MD - On October 30, 2023, Sammy Hwang pled guilty to two (2) counts of Grossly Negligent Manslaughter by Automobile in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County Maryland. The Honorable S. James Sarbanes, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County gave Sammy Hwang a sentence of twenty (20) years but suspended all but eight (8) years of incarceration. Hwang will be placed on supervised probation for three (3) years following his release from prison.

On July 12, 2022, at approximately 4:15 AM, Sammy Hwang crashed his vehicle into the back of another vehicle on U.S. Route 50 and Forest Grove Road in Parsonsburg, Maryland, sending the victim's vehicle into a tree. 

One (1) passenger was declared deceased at the scene, while the other died several weeks later from the injuries she sustained from the crash. The vehicle carrying the two victims was carrying five individuals total, all of whom were returning home from working overnight. 

The investigation of the Maryland State Police Crash Team revealed that Mr. Hwang was driving in excess of 110 miles per hour at the time of the crash when he collided with the back of the victim's car. Hwang was given a blood test, which revealed a .11 blood alcohol concentration.

Wicomico County State's Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes said of the sentence, "This case is a prime example of why we tell our young adults the importance of not drinking and driving. Mr. Hwang has had no prior contact with the criminal justice system, not even a speeding ticket before July 12, 2022. But on that night, he made several terrible decisions that now leaves two families without their mothers and a community heartbroken. I appreciate the thoughtful consideration of the Honorable Judge Sarbanes in this case, and hope that this sends a message to our community that we take these offenses seriously, and will prosecute them accordingly."

Wicomico County State's Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes commended the members of the Maryland State Police for their work and quick action in the investigation, specifically thanking Cpl. Kevin Moore. SA Dykes also commended Senior Assistant State's Attorney Lauren Bourdon, for her advocacy in this case.