La Plata, MD – A three-vehicle, chain-reaction crash that resulted in the death of a Charles County woman Thursday, Dec. 7 remains under investigation by the Maryland State Police (MSP). The lead investigator, Cpl. Zimmerman of the MSP La Plata Barrack, told TheBayNet.com that there are some details that must be resolved before the case can be forwarded to the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The crash, which occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Route 6 west of Cooksey Road, claimed the life of Taylor Anne Halbleib, 21 of Hughesville (pictured, right), who police confirmed had just left work and was driving home. A 2004 Ford F-150 occupied by two men—Daniel Juwan Butler, 22 of Newburg; and Logan Alexander Shifflett, 21 of Waldorf—was also eastbound on Route 6 when it struck the rear of Hyundai Elantra that Halbleib was driving. The Elantra had stopped prior to the crash. The impact pushed the Hyundai into a Honda Odyssey van driven by a La Plata woman. Halbleib and Butler were transported to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center. Halbleib died at the hospital a short time later. Shifflett was flown to University of Maryland Prince George’s Hospital Center. The driver of the Honda van was not injured.
Zimmerman confirmed Dec. 14 that witness accounts reported by NBC-TV 4 in Washington, DC that Butler, Shifflett and Halbleib were seen speaking prior to the incident at the liquor store/bar where Halbleib worked are being weighed to determine if there is any correlation to the crash. “We’re still looking into that,” said Zimmerman.
Additionally, crash reconstruction investigators are trying to positively determine if Butler was the person driving the Ford F-150 when the crash occurred. Zimmerman told TheBayNet.com that DNA tests on both men have been conducted. The officer stated that an “independent witness” has told police Butler was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
Police have stated that they believe speed and alcohol contributed to the crash.
According to Brinsfield Funeral Home, Halbleib was a 2014 graduate of La Plata High School, where she played varsity soccer and was a member of the school’s Reserve Officers Training Corps. At the time of her death, Taylor Halbleib was a criminal justice student at the College of Southern Maryland and aspired to become a police officer like her father. Her funeral was held Wednesday, Dec. 13 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bryantown. Contributions in memory of Taylor Halbleib are being accepted by the Humane Society of Charles County.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com