Driver Who Ran Down Arnold Boy Sentenced To Prison

ARNOLD, MD — The driver who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of a 12-year-old boy who was fatally hit while walking with his family was sentenced Wednesday to eight years in prison. Michael Blair Gauthier, 38, of the 400 block of Golf Course Court in Arnold, had smoked crack cocaine while driving, passed out behind the wheel and drove through an intersection, striking Matthew William Murphy.

The 12-year-old boy, of the 400 block of Shore Drive, died at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, according to Anne Arundel County Police. He was walking on a sidewalk with his mother and brother about 3:20 p.m. on April 22, 2018, when a Chevrolet van driven by Gauthier veered off Bay Green Drive at Andrew Hill Road and hit the boy. Matthew was flown to the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, where he later died of his injuries.

"Mr. Gauthier stole Matthew Murphy's life, and shifted the blame away from himself and onto the drugs he ingested," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess in a news release. "The blame for Matthew's death lies solely with the man who picked up a pipe and smoked crack cocaine just moments before striking him with a 5,000 pound vehicle. Anyone who believes it is all right to use drugs while driving endangers us all. I hope that this sentence brings some measure of peace to Matthew's family and the community."

Matthew was walking on the sidewalk with his mother and younger brother when the crash happened. Police found Gauthier unconscious with a crack pipe in his hand and his Chevrolet work van crashed into the woods. He was given Narcan at the accident scene to revive him, then taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center with minor injuries and a toxicology screening.

Tests showed cocaine in Gauthier's bloodstream, according to a news release from the state's attorney. Police later tested the pipe and found it contained cocaine residue. Gauthier told police that he decided to smoke the cocaine in his vehicle to avoid doing so at his home, which he shared with his young son.

Police say the crash was likely caused by Gauthier's reckless driving, and failing to remain in a single lane. Gauthier was initially charged with criminally negligent manslaughter, grossly negligent manslaughter, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Gauthier pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison suspend all but eight years in prison, and five years of supervised probation upon release. Maryland sentencing guidelines called for a sentence of 3 months to 4 years for the crime.

Memorial contributions in Matthew's name may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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