Lexington Park Mother Sentenced to Prison After Drunk Driving Crash Kills One Child, Injures Two Others
LEXINGTON PARK, MD — In a heartbreaking and deeply sobering case that has sent waves of sorrow through the Southern Maryland community, State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Ashley Nicole Nolan, 28, of Lexington Park, has been sentenced to a significant prison term for her role in a devastating drunk driving collision that claimed the life of one of her children and left two others with serious injuries.
The sentencing brings to a close a case that has not only devastated a family but also served as a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving. According to prosecutors, the fatal crash occurred following a single-vehicle incident in which Nolan, under the influence of alcohol, lost control of her vehicle with her three children inside. The reckless act of driving while intoxicated led to irreversible tragedy.
Court records reveal that on the night of the incident, Nolan was operating the vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) well over the legal limit. Authorities reported that she was speeding and failed to maintain control of the car, which eventually veered off the road and crashed. First responders arrived on the scene to find a horrific sight: one of Nolan’s children had died at the scene, and two others were suffering from critical injuries.
Investigators later determined that the children were not properly restrained in the vehicle at the time of the crash, further compounding the preventable nature of the tragedy. One of the surviving children reportedly sustained life-altering injuries and continues to undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation.
State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling delivered a powerful statement following the sentencing, emphasizing the severe nature of Nolan’s actions and the lasting consequences of her choices.
“This case is a devastating example of how one reckless decision can shatter lives,” Sterling said. “A child’s life was lost, two others were gravely harmed, and an entire family and community are left grieving. The sentence handed down today reflects the gravity of the offense and our commitment to pursuing justice for the most vulnerable — our children.”
Nolan pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter while under the influence, two counts of causing life-threatening injury by motor vehicle while impaired, and driving under the influence with minors in the vehicle. The judge, citing the “egregious breach of responsibility and disregard for human life,” sentenced her to a term of years in prison, structured to reflect the magnitude of each child victim involved in the case.
During the emotional sentencing hearing, family members and community members filled the courtroom. Some spoke directly to Nolan, expressing grief, anger, and disbelief that a mother could place her own children in such danger. Others asked the court for leniency, noting Nolan’s remorse and the profound psychological toll the tragedy has had on her.
Nolan herself, in tears, apologized to the court and the surviving members of her family.
“There is not a moment that goes by that I don’t regret what I did,” she said, her voice shaking. “I failed my babies, and I will carry that guilt for the rest of my life. I’m so sorry.”
Despite the emotional pleas, the court ultimately sided with the prosecution’s recommendation for a lengthy prison sentence, stressing that while remorse is acknowledged, justice for the victims — especially the children — must come first.
This tragic case has sparked renewed calls in St. Mary’s County and throughout Maryland for tougher laws around drunk driving, especially when minors are involved. Advocacy groups are pushing for increased education, enforcement, and harsher penalties in an effort to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Community members have also rallied around the surviving children, organizing fundraisers to help cover their medical expenses and long-term care needs. Many have shared messages of solidarity and heartbreak on social media, calling for compassion but also accountability.
As Ashley Nicole Nolan begins her prison sentence, the legacy of her actions continues to reverberate. A young life lost, two others forever changed, and a family left to pick up the pieces — all because of a night of impaired judgment that can never be undone.
This case stands as both a solemn warning and a call to action: drunk driving destroys lives. And in this case, it struck at the very heart of motherhood.