Teen Driver of Stolen Vehicle Charged in Fatal Maryland Crash

WHO:

WJLA - William Vance Payne II, 58, was the victim of the crash.

WTOP - A 13-year-old boy was driving the stolen vehicle involved in the crash.

WJLA - The Kia contained seven children, including four girls (ages 14, 14, 13, and 12) and three boys (ages 15, 12, and the 13-year-old driver).

WHAT:

WJLA - Payne was driving a 2007 Toyota Matrix when it was struck by a stolen 2015 Kia Optima.

WTOP - The crash resulted in the death of William Vance Payne II and injuries to the 13-year-old driver and six passengers in the Kia.

WJLA - The 13-year-old driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition but was described as stable.

WTOP - The crash occurred at around 5:25 a.m., and Payne was pronounced dead at the scene.

WHERE:

WJLA - The crash occurred at the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway in Germantown, Maryland.

WTOP - The Kia was reported stolen from a home in Germantown.

WHEN:

WTOP - The crash happened on August 4, 2026.

WHY:

WTOP - The Kia was reported stolen, indicating that the vehicle was taken unlawfully prior to the crash.

HOW:

WJLA - The Kia, driven by the 13-year-old, entered the intersection and struck Payne's vehicle.

(UPDATED August 5, 2026 23:55 UTC)

A tragic crash in Germantown, Maryland, claimed the life of 58-year-old William Vance Payne II when his 2007 Toyota Matrix was struck by a stolen 2015 Kia Optima driven by a 13-year-old boy. The collision, which occurred at the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway, resulted in Payne's death at the scene, while the young driver and six passengers in the Kia sustained injuries, with the driver in critical but stable condition. The Kia had been reported stolen from a home in Germantown prior to the incident, highlighting the unlawful circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.