State’s Attorney Announces Plea in Fatal MLK Crash That Killed 35-Year-Old Woman
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson announced today that Michael Collins has pleaded guilty to one count of grossly negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle and one count of auto theft. Collins was the driver in the fatal accident that killed 35-year-old Shaunte Canty. He was charged as an adult.
“While today’s plea marks an important step in this case, it cannot restore what was stolen from Shaunte’s family,” says State’s Attorney Jackson. “Her future was tragically cut short because of the reckless behavior of this defendant, and this incident is a sobering reminder that such decisions on the road can have devastating and irreversible consequences. We hope this outcome brings some measure of accountability and justice to Shaunte’s family as they continue to grieve her loss.”
In August 2025, Collins was driving a stolen vehicle with 3 other juvenile passengers when they ran a red light, striking the vehicle occupied by Canty and her 4-year-old child.
Collins will be sentenced on August 28, 2026. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The State will seek 7 years, which is the top of the guidelines according to the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy’s Guidelines.
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The Office of the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland is the primary law enforcement agency. The office is tasked with safeguarding the rights and interests of the residents of Prince George's County through the prosecution of a broad range of criminal cases and by protecting and supporting victims of crime.
