BERLIN – A petition drive launched last week to consider renaming a portion of Grays Corner Road in memory of a 14-year-old boy killed in a hit-and-run collision appears to be gaining momentum and there is some precedent for the practice.
Around 10:45 p.m. on July 11, a black Mercedes driving eastbound on Grays Corner Road, a service road of sorts that runs between Route 589 and Glen Riddle Lane parallel to Route 50, struck Gavin Knupp, 14, of Ocean Pines, and left the scene. Knupp was reportedly a pedestrian on the roadway and returning to a nearby vehicle when the collision took place. He was transported to Atlantic General Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The vehicle involved fled the scene and did not return. Local law enforcement conducted a search for the vehicle allegedly involved. Six days after the collision, on July 17, the Mercedes identified as a possible link to the fatal hit-and-run was seized from a home in the Ocean Reef community near the airport off Route 611.
The vehicle, which had damage consistent with the collision investigation, was towed to the Maryland State Police Berlin barrack for further processing. In the many weeks since the fatal collision, official details about a possible suspect or suspects have been scant as the investigation continues. As of mid-week, no formal charges have been filed nor arrest warrants issued.
Meanwhile, the “Do it for Gavin” movement continues to gain momentum in the community still grieving the loss of the popular local teen and still waiting for answers from the investigation. Just last week, a petition was started on change.org to have a portion of Grays Corner Road where the fatal collision occurred renamed or designated to Gavin Knupp Way.
Female pedestrian struck and killed late Friday evening early Saturday morning on the island. 59th street. Didnt use crosswalk. Drive DID stay.
Sadness continues and hopefully soon our MD Leos will be able to do whats needed, allowing Gavins family some closure. Hopefully. G1
I’d rather see his killer brought to justice first.
NO one charged and Police have vehicle. Something funny with that. MUST BE ANOTHER PELOSI moment. MARYLAND STATE POLLICE ARE USUALLY MORE EFFIENCENT than this. What did the inspection of the vehicle reveal and who is the owner of this vehicle. Who did the owner allow to drive their vehicle? Whose finger prints where on the Door handle and steering wheel? Does the home not have a surveillance cameras in that neighborhood or other homes in the area?
I WOULD press for answers if I could, since this is a political season.
MSP and other agencies are investigating. A single weak spot in the prosecution or investigation can undermine the whole thing. Don’t forget, but don’t hurry it.
No, starts a precedent. Leave it as is, other items more important to ALL of us.
Agree with precedent setting comment.
Sadly, there are more pedestrian deaths and injuries than we normally focus on. And in many, not all, of those cases the pedestrian set the stage by misjudging or ignoring clear safety concerns.
Hit and run remains inexcusable.