Woman pleads guilty in I-695 crash killing six, may face 24-year sentence

REBECCA PRYOR | Fox45 News | November 4, 2025 | Original Source

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD (WBFF) — It’s been more than two years since six construction workers were struck and killed by a speeding car along the Beltway in Woodlawn. On Tuesday, the woman behind the wheel plead guilty to six counts of negligent vehicular manslaughter.

Although prosecutors requested her time served behind bars start immediately, a judge allowed 57-year-old Lisa Lea to return to home detention until her sentencing, scheduled for January 30th.

The state plans to seek 24 consecutive years in prison, followed by three years of probation, with a condition blocking her from driving during that time.

“Which, we believe will add additional safety factors to everyone,” said Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.

Shellenberger confirmed it’s the same deal that’s been on the table for two years.

“I think the reality of what goes on with the defendant's mindset is, I better make up my mind. And of course, if there had been a trial, then she could have been facing more than 60 years because there were additional charges,” said Shellenberger.

The horrific March 2023 crash was caught on traffic surveillance cameras. The footage shows Lea trying to change lanes, then clipping another car, sending her barreling into the work zone. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined speed was the main factor in the crash, claiming at 120 miles per hour, the two drivers involved were traveling more than twice the legal speed limit. The report also revealed a cocktail of prescription drugs and THC found in Lea's system.

The victims’ families quietly embraced outside the courtroom on Tuesday. They declined to speak with reporters, but prosecutors say they do plan on delivering victim impact statements when Lea returns for sentencing.

Lea and her attorney also declined to comment as her fate now lies in the hands of a circuit court judge. No matter the decision, she will be eligible for parole after serving a fourth of her sentence and the two and a half years she has already spent on home detention will count towards that time.