A 66-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for crashing into a child's birthday party in Maryland, killing one woman and injuring others before fleeing the scene.
Sunday Joseph pleaded guilty to failure to remain at the scene of an accident where death occurred and 14 counts of reckless driving. The Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office announced the sentence on Thursday. The crash happened on Oct. 18, 2025, on Annapolis Road in Bladensburg when Joseph reversed his car, jumped the curb, and hit a tent where guests were celebrating. The incident killed 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez and injured eight children and five adults, with the vehicle needing to be lifted to free those trapped underneath. Joseph left the scene and turned himself in about 10 hours later. The judge exceeded state sentencing guidelines and the state's recommendation by imposing the full 10-year term. Joseph is also barred from driving and must complete eight hours of community service each year on the anniversary of the crash. Family members of the victims told local media that the punishment fell short, citing ongoing depression and trauma that has changed how children view birthday parties.