BLADENSBURG, Md. — A child’s birthday party in Prince George’s County turned into a scene of horror last October. Now, more than six months later, the man responsible is heading to prison.
Sunday Joseph, 66, was sentenced to more than 12 years, with all but 10 suspended, after pleading guilty in connection with a deadly crash on 56th Avenue in Bladensburg.
What Happened That Night
On Oct. 18, 2025, Joseph was on Annapolis Road when he reversed his vehicle at full speed into the front yard of a home where a child’s birthday party was underway.
He did not slow down. He did not stop.
After the crash, Joseph got out of the car, staggered, and ran from the scene — leaving victims behind, some of them trapped underneath the vehicle.
Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, 31, was killed. Several others were seriously injured. One victim now relies on a cane to get around.
“He Don’t Know How Many People Were Under the Vehicle”
For the family of those injured and killed, the most painful part was not just the crash — it was the abandonment.
“He left, so he don’t know how many people was under the vehicle. He don’t know how many people were injured… if you would have stayed at the scene, you would have been able to see what you caused,” said Marquita Bell, sister of one of the victims, speaking outside the courthouse.
Bell described the ongoing trauma felt by survivors and family members alike.
“It’s a constant reminder, it’s a constant nightmare… it’s a dream that you just never want to wake up from. And as you can see in the courtroom, there was no dry eye whatsoever.”
No Medical Emergency. No Prior Record.
Police confirmed that Joseph had a valid driver’s license and no history of reckless driving.
He was also not experiencing a medical emergency at the time of the crash.
Joseph turned himself in to police the day after the crash and has remained in custody ever since.
The Charges He Faced
Joseph was indicted in January on three dozen charges, including:
- One count of grossly negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle
- Three counts of hit-and-run involving serious bodily injury
- 11 counts of failure to return and remain at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury
- 11 counts of reckless driving
He entered his guilty plea to the court on Thursday before receiving his sentence.
A Community Left to Heal
For the families in that front yard on 56th Avenue, a moment of celebration became something they will never forget.
A woman lost her life. Others carry permanent injuries. A child’s birthday party is now tied to one of the worst nights of their lives.
The sentence has been handed down — but for those who lived through it, the healing is far from over.
Do you think 10 years is the right sentence for a crime like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
