Teen gets 7 years for fatal crash in Landover

An 18 year old man was sentenced to seven years in prison for a crash that killed a Prince George’s County mother in August 2025. Michael Collins was driving a stolen vehicle on Sheriff Road in the Landover area when he ran a red light and slammed into the car of Shaunte Canty.

Court records show Collins was driving between 63 and 76 miles per hour at the time of the accident. Canty was driving her autistic son to a therapy appointment when the collision occurred. She died in the crash. Collins was 16 years old when the accident happened.

Collins pleaded guilty to negligent manslaughter and auto theft. He was charged as an adult. The state asked the judge for a seven year sentence. The maximum penalty for his crimes is 15 years.

Canty’s family believes the sentence is too short. Carletta Chase, Canty’s mother, said the time Collins will serve is not enough to fix the loss. “I really don't feel justice got served, because the little time that he did get, my grandkids still are not going to get their mother back and I am not going to get my daughter back,” Chase said. She added that he could return to the streets, but her daughter cannot.

Erica Chase, Canty’s sister, said jail time is temporary while her sister’s life is gone. “I feel as though he need more time. Again, being in jail is something temporary, my sister's life got stolen from us,” she said. Collins read a statement in court where he apologized and took full responsibility. The judge said he hoped Collins would use the prison time to become a better man.

Collins is 18 years old. He will serve seven years in prison. Canty’s two children have lost their mother. The car was stolen. The crash happened on Sheriff Road. Collins was driving 63 to 76 mph.