Man On Probation For DUI Sentenced In Fatal MD Drunk Driving Case

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A Fallston man on probation for a DUI conviction and his wife have been sentenced after pleading guilty to negligent manslaughter in the drunk driving death of an 80-year-old Monkton woman.

Prosecutors said that on May 7, 2023, after playing a round of golf at the Mountain Branch Golf Club in Joppatowne, Jared Anzelc, 32, drank alcohol at the bar. This was despite Anzelc being on probation for a 2022 conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and being ordered by the court to never drink alcohol.

After several hours of drinking, Anzelc called his wife, Shanna, and asked her to come to the golf club. When she arrived, authorities said Shanna blew into the interlock system installed on her husband's vehicle and he drove away while his wife followed behind.

Nearly 17 miles from the golf club, while traveling north on Norrisville Road near the intersection of White Hall Road, Jared Anzelc crossed over the double yellow line into the southbound lane. When a woman driving in the southbound lane saw Anzelc’s vehicle heading toward her, she swerved into the northbound lane.

Jared Anzelc swerved in the same direction, causing a head-on collision, the prosecution said. The 80-year-old victim was airlifted to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center with life-threatening injuries. She died from her injuries on May 10, 2023.

"The victim’s family and friends were present in court for the sentencing hearings and gave emotional and moving victim impact statements both expressing to the court the impact of this tragedy, but also beautifully honoring her life," the prosecution said in a news release.

Jared Anzelc was sentenced to the maximum penalty for the negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle charge, 15 years to serve, as well as an additional two years suspended for the DUI. Following his release, he will be subject to a five-year period of supervised probation.

Prosecutos said Shanna Anzelc was sentenced to 10 years, suspending all but three years to serve for negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle, acting as an accessory before the fact. She also will be subject to a period of three years of supervised probation upon release.

“This loss of life was a completely preventable and a senseless tragedy. Jared and Shanna Anzelc’s blatant disregard for the law and the lives of others on the road were deserving of these serious consequences. It is my hope that the finality of this sentencing can give this victim’s family a sense of closure after a long and tragic chapter of their lives," said State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey after the sentencing.