Laurel Fatal Crash Update

Seaford Man Dies in One Vehicle Crash

Location: Gordy Road, .1 mile south of Wooten Road, Laurel, DE

Date and Time of Occurrence:  Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at approximately 11:23 a.m.

Operator and Vehicle:

-Burton F. Carmean Jr., 18, Bridgeville, DE

-2000 Ford Taurus

Charges (warrants on file):

-Vehicular Homicide 2^nd Degree

-Vehicular Assault 2^nd Degree

-Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree (2 counts)

-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

-Driving While Suspended

Victim:

-Fhillip J. Wilkerson, 19, Seaford, DE

Other Injured:

-Burton F. Carmean Jr.

-Freddy J. Wilkerson, 19, Seaford

Resume:

Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating a one vehicle fatal motor vehicle crash which occurred late this morning in Laurel, DE.

The crash happened as Burton F. Carmean Jr. was operating a 2000 Ford Taurus and was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed on southbound Gordy Road. Carmean’s vehicle then entered the northbound lane of Gordy Road as it rounded a right hand curve, almost striking a northbound vehicle head on. Carmean then lost control of the Taurus and began to slide sideways. The vehicle then exited the east edge of the roadway where the right hand side of the car struck a tree. The right rear passenger of the vehicle, Fhillip J. Wilkerson, 19, was killed instantly. His body was turned over to the Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. His brother, Freddy Wilkerson, who was seated in the front passenger seat of the Taurus, was flown from the scene by the Delaware State Police helicopter to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he was admitted in serious condition. Burton Carmean Jr. was flown from the scene by LifeNet helicopter to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted in serious condition.

Investigators have obtained warrants charging Burton Carmean Jr. with the above list of crimes. He will be arrested upon his release from the Christiana Hospital.

Gordy Road was closed for approximately 3 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.