Teen Charged in Crash Death of Off-duty Md. Medic
A Maryland teen behind the wheel of a vehicle that collided with an SUV killing an off-duty paramedic last year has been charged with negligent homicide under the influence of alcohol.
Jeffrey Neuman Jr., who was 17 at the time of the wreck, will be tried as an adult, according to The Star Democrat.
Neuman's vehicle crossed the center median of U.S. 50 near Easton last June 14, and struck an SUV being driven by Brigitte E. Heller, 51, of Boonsboro.
Heller, EMS coordinator for Washington County, was flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. She died June 28.
Her daughter also was treated at the trauma center, and later released.
Judge Broughton M. Earnest ruled last week that Neuman will be tried as an adult, not as a juvenile like his attorney wanted.
He also is charged with negligent manslaughter, criminal negligent manslaughter by vehicle, driving motor vehicle with alcohol in blood, negligent driving, reckless driving, failure to drive right of center and failure to control vehicle speed on highway to avoid a collision.
Last month, Heller was honored for her dedication and contributions to Maryland EMS. In addition to her work in Washington County, she served on a number of statewide committees.
Dr. Robert Bass, executive director of Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) lauded Heller for her commitment during the state's annual EMS awards ceremony.
"Whether providing care on the ground or volunteering her time to make the delivery of EMS better statewide, Paramedic Heller exeplified Maryland's very best in emergency services...MIEMSS is proud to honor her memory with this award recognizing her life of service to others..."
Her children, EMT Brittany Heller and Paramedic Terry Doyle, accepted the Director's Award for Excellence in EMS from Dr. Bass.
