Driver in Crash That Killed Two Out of Hospital; Court Date Looms

The teenage driver of a car that crashed, killing two Wootton High School graduates, was enrolled in an alcohol education program for underage possession, according to reports.

Samuel Joseph Ellis, 18, of North Potomac, has been released from the hospital following the June 25 crash that injured a 17-year-old. Killed in the collision were Alexander Murk, 18, of Potomac and Calvin Jia-Xing Li, 18, of Rockville; police say the foursome had attended an underage drinking party before the crash.

SEE ALSO:

• Teens Attended Underage Drinking Party Before Deadly Crash, Police Say (Updated)
• ‘It’s a Parent’s Worst Nightmare,’ Says Father of Teen Killed in Crash
• Alexander William Murk, 18, of Potomac

Ellis’ car left the road, struck a tree and flipped over in North Potomac. Montgomery County Police said they are investigating whether speed, alcohol use and a lack of seatbelt use were factors in the deadly crash. No charges have been filed.

Michael McAuliffe, the attorney for Ellis, told WTOP that the teen and his family “are in agony” over the deaths of Murk and Li.

Montgomery County Police Capt. Thomas Didone said at a news conference that cold beer in plastic cups was found inside Ellis’ car. The investigation into the party continues, and police issued citations at that scene, although Didone would not specify what tickets were issued or how many.

In March, Ellis was cited for possession of alcohol under the legal age, and the charges were to be dropped pending his completion of an alcohol education program, WTOP reports. The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s office says Ellis had not completed the program to date.

Maryland online court records show Ellis is supposed to appear in court in Ocean City July 9 on a charge of affray, which is similar to disorderly conduct. His attorney is seeking to postpone that appearance, saying Ellis is in no condition to travel.

»PHOTO: Wootton High School students gather at the scene of a fatal crash last month, courtesy Montgomery Community Media