Ernest Young III, right, and family
Ernest Young III of Hughesville killed by repeat offender DUI driver Arthur Edelen
HUGHESVILLE, MD. — A repeat offender DUI driver who got easy treatment for his last DUI now faces new DUI charges along with possible vehicular homicide charges for the death of a Hughesville resident. Typically, the Maryland State Police will consult with the Charles County States Attorney for charges to be brought pending receipt of blood alcohol tests on the part of the driver who failed to yield the right of way and caused the fatal crash.
Ernest Young III, who was operating his motorcycle southbound on Rt. 5 on March 24, 2016, was struck by a White Plains resident who pulled into his path causing a crash. Young was taken to Prince Georges Shock Trauma where he died two days later from injuries received in the crash. Maryland State Police reported alcohol impairment on the part of the driver who hit him, Arthur Edelen, is suspected. Court records show Edelen has a prior DUI conviction.
Maryland State Police reported that Young was driving his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle southbound on Rt. 5 near Roosevelt Place at 9:04 pm when Arthur Christopher Edelen, of 4745 Duffield Road in White Plains drove his Honda Odyssey into the path of the Young’s motorcycle whereupon the motorcycle slammed into the minivan.
The Maryland State Police Trooper Two Medevac helicopter flew Young to PG Trauma from the scene.
Maryland Court records show that Edelen was charged by the Maryland State Police on Nov. 22, 2009, with DUI while operating on Laurel Grove Road in a 1996 Lincoln. Appearing in St. Mary’s County District Court on March 25, 2010, Edelen was given a plea deal by St. Mary’s States Attorney Richard Fritz. The deal with a Probation Before Judgement, called for 30 days in jail with all 30 days suspended and a fine of $192.50. Records show that the fine was not paid, and his license was suspended on June 25, 2016.
On July 25, 2012, Edelen was arrested for driving while suspended by St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Deputy Jean Vezzosi. In St. Mary’s County District Court on Oct. 10, 2012, St. Mary’s States Attorney Richard Fritz gave another Probation Before Judgement plea deal to Edelen with 10 days in jail and all 10 days suspended, along with a fine of $85.
Arrested for fourth-degree burglary by Charles County Sheriff’s Officer Dorrell Savoy on March 20, 2011, Edelen hired private attorney Cara Rockhill to arrange a plea deal with Charles County States Attorney Anthony Covington. The deal on July 27, 2011, resulted in the theft and burglary charges being placed on the Stet Docket with no time and no fine.
Charged with possession of drugs on Jan. 19, 2007 by Charles County Officer Joseph Piazza, Edelen entered a guilty plea in a deal with the Charles County States Attorney on June 12, 2007. The deal provided for 6 months in jail with all the time suspended and a fine of $150, along with two years of probation.
Young is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Alesia Madden-Young; loving children, Lantrese and Ernest B. Young; mother, Polly Young; siblings, Gwendolyn Bell-McNeil, Sharon Walker, Ernestine Young and Anthony Bell; a host of other relatives and friends. Family and friends attended a service Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Calvary Gospel Church in Waldorf, Md. OBITUARY
