The Delaware State Police have charged Wednesday that 28-year-old Pavan Patel of Townsend in connection with a fatal crash in Middletown earlier this month.
According to investigators, the crash occurred on December 3, 2025, at about 9:45 p.m., when a Mazda CX-9 traveling south on Jamison Corner Road entered the intersection at Boyds Corner Road with a green light. Police alleged that a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Patel came through the intersection against a red light and struck the passenger side of the Mazda.
Police said the driver of the Mazda, a 31-year-old pregnant woman from Middletown, was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to investigators, complications from the crash led to the birth of her baby, La’Royce Johnson-Young, who died on December 6.
Troopers said Patel showed signs of impairment at the scene. He was not injured and was initially charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to stop at a red light. The roadway remained closed for about an hour and a half during the investigation.
After the infant’s death, police said additional charges were filed. Patel later turned himself in at Troop 2, where he was arraigned and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $280,102 cash bond. He later bonded out according to court records.
Patel is now charged with second-degree murder recklessly causing death with indifference to human life, first-degree assault, two counts of possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and failure to stop at a red light. Authorities said the investigation is continuing.
Police said the updated charges were authorized after further consultation with the Delaware Department of Justice.
