Gaithersburg Driver Sentenced for Fatal Crash
A judge sentenced a 19-year-old driver to prison for a fatal collision that killed an 88-year-old victim.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Accidents
A Montgomery County judge sentenced 19-year-old Liam Coskun to prison following a fatal collision in Gaithersburg that killed 88-year-old Myrtle Gottlieb. Coskun pleaded guilty to charges including grossly negligent manslaughter and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
Why it matters
The sentencing follows a criminal investigation into a May 2025 incident where the driver disregarded a red light while intoxicated. The case underscores the legal consequences for unlicensed drivers operating vehicles under the influence.
Liam Coskun was sentenced to 14 years in prison with all but 18 months suspended, alongside five years of probation. The defendant also waived 11 months of previously served time.
The players
Liam Coskun
The 19-year-old Darnestown resident who pleaded guilty to grossly negligent manslaughter.
Myrtle Gottlieb
The 88-year-old victim who died four days after the collision in Gaithersburg.
The details
Liam Coskun failed to stop at a red light at Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, striking the rear of a Toyota Corolla. Testing conducted several hours after the crash showed Coskun had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.09.
Timeline
May 31, 2025: The vehicle collision occurred in Gaithersburg.
June 4, 2025: Myrtle Gottlieb died from injuries sustained in the crash.
November 21, 2025: Coskun turned himself in to police.
June 2026: Coskun entered a guilty plea.
October 23, 2026: A judge sentenced Coskun in Montgomery County.
Legal Context
The sentence reflects the standard application of Maryland vehicular manslaughter statutes regarding impaired driving offenses. This case follows established precedents for prosecuting youthful offenders involved in fatal traffic accidents within the jurisdiction.
Local residents and motorists should remain aware that increased enforcement regarding red-light violations and impaired driving remains a priority in Montgomery County. Drivers are reminded of the strict legal penalties associated with operating a vehicle without a license.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the permanent life-altering consequences of choosing to drive while intoxicated. Safety officials continue to urge young drivers to adhere to licensing requirements and avoid impaired operation of motor vehicles.
Further reading
For more information on local traffic safety and legal developments, visit Gaithersburg accidents.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
