When a serious crash leads to a tragic loss of life, families understandably want answers. Yet, sometimes the investigative process raises more questions than it resolves. This is exactly what happened in the November 16, 2024 incident involving William Lewis, the brother of Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis. Although prosecutors recently filed charges, the case has drawn public attention because the Maryland State Police crash investigation was still unfinished at the time.
As defense counsel, it is important to help the community understand what information is known, what remains unclear, and why thorough and timely investigations matter for everyone involved.
What Happened on November 16, 2024
According to the Maryland State Police report obtained by The Baltimore Sun, Lewis was driving northbound on Ocean Parkway in a 2012 Dodge Ram when his truck veered off the roadway. Investigators say the vehicle struck several ditches and culverts before hitting a parked Mercedes Benz. Tragically, 35-year-old Ramon Castillo, who was speaking with the Mercedes driver while doing yardwork with his brothers, was struck as well. The truck continued forward and hit a fire hydrant before stopping.
An Ocean Pines Police officer responded around 8:42 a.m. and found Castillo lying in a nearby driveway. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, and paramedics later pronounced him deceased at 9:09 a.m. The Mercedes driver was uninjured.
Lewis remained inside his vehicle and reported back pain. Officers noted that they did not detect signs of impairment. He was transported to TidalHealth in Salisbury for further evaluation.
Lewis’ Account of the Crash
While recovering in the hospital, Lewis told investigators that he had fallen asleep at the wheel. He explained that he had stayed up late watching a boxing match with his family and slept only about two hours before driving that morning to drop off supplies at a job site. He also said he had taken his usual medications, consumed no alcohol, and had no impairment indicators.
In a later taped interview, Lewis maintained the same account. He stated that he remembered only “jerking and banging around” before realizing he had struck something.
Unusual Delays in the Investigation
One of the most significant issues gaining public attention is the investigative delay. Although the crash occurred in November 2024, charges were not filed until a year later. Even more concerning, prosecutors filed those charges despite the fact that the Maryland State Police report was still incomplete.
Multiple agencies have been unable to explain the yearlong gap in investigative progress.
State Police documents indicate that:
- The Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office declined to respond to the scene, even though the incident involved a fatality.
- Forensic investigators from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner were unable to respond promptly due to staffing and logistical challenges.
- Neither agency has provided further explanation for these delays.
These gaps matter because timely evidence collection is essential to accurately understanding what happened, preserving the scene, and ensuring every party is treated fairly under the law.
Charges Filed Against Lewis
Lewis now faces two charges in Worcester County District Court:
- Causing serious physical injury or death of a vulnerable individual while operating a motor vehicle in violation of Title 21
- Negligent driving
Although these charges remain serious, they do not reflect any allegation of impairment or intentional wrongdoing. Instead, they suggest that prosecutors believe fatigue or an inadvertent lapse may have contributed to the crash.
Because the crash investigation was still pending when the charges were filed, the defense will closely examine how these conclusions were reached and whether the evidence was collected and processed appropriately.
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Why Thorough Review Is Critical in This Case
Any fatal incident is heartbreaking, and the loss of Mr. Castillo is undeniably tragic. Still, the justice system must rely on complete, timely, and transparent investigative work. When delays occur or evidence is not collected promptly, it can raise questions about reliability, accuracy, and fairness.
For example:
- Was the scene documented fully before key evidence changed or disappeared
- Could environmental conditions or vehicle factors have contributed to the crash
- Would immediate forensic involvement have provided different or clearer insights
- Were standard investigative protocols followed by all agencies
Because these questions remain open, a complete review is essential before any conclusions are drawn.
How Maronick Law Is Approaching the Case
Attorney Thomas Maronick Jr., who represents Lewis, has emphasized that the defense looks forward to reviewing all of the evidence and addressing the investigative delays. He has noted that the death of Mr. Castillo is a tragedy, and the defense will approach the case with seriousness, care, and respect for everyone involved.
A preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for December 18 in Worcester County District Court in Snow Hill. As the case proceeds, additional details are expected to emerge about both the crash and the investigation process.
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Moving Forward with a Fair and Complete Legal Process
Every defendant has the right to a full and fair review of the facts. When an investigation experiences significant delays, it becomes even more important for defense counsel to scrutinize each step, identify unanswered questions, and ensure the evidence is evaluated correctly.
As this case moves forward, Maronick Law remains committed to protecting due process and ensuring that conclusions are based on verified facts rather than assumptions. The firm will continue to advocate for transparency, accuracy, and fairness while respecting the profound impact this tragedy has had on everyone involved.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.