Early Tuesday morning, a serious crash on I-495 in Wilmington resulted in one man's death and the arrest of another on charges including vehicular homicide. The Delaware State Police responded to a head-on collision between a 2019 Toyota Corolla and a 2004 Lexus RX300. The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Lexus, Marvis Branch, 58, faces multiple charges.
According to the Delaware State Police release, the accident occurred around 12:22 a.m. near Edgemoor Road when Branch's Lexus, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes, collided with the southbound Toyota. Initial investigations indicated that the Lexus was speeding and entered the Toyota’s path, causing a severe crash. After the incident, police detected signs of impairment in Branch, including the odor of alcohol, which led to his arrest. He faces charges of second-degree vehicular homicide and DUI, among others.
Branch was taken to a local hospital to treat injuries from the crash. After an investigation confirmed impairment, he was arrested and arraigned. His cash bond was set at $27,700.
Following the crash, I-495's southbound lanes were closed for several hours for investigation and clearing. Troopers are asking witnesses to come forward as part of the ongoing investigation led by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information is urged to contact Master Corporal J. Forester at 302-365-8485 or through other means, including private messaging on Facebook or Delaware Crime Stoppers. The Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit is also available for support, offering resources through a toll-free hotline and email.
