SEAFORD MAN FOUND GUILTY ON MULTIPLE MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES THAT TOOK THE LIVES OF A NEW YORK FAMILY

Wicomico County, MD - Jay Richard Bynum, 61, of Seaford, Delaware, was convicted in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County on June 18, 2025, on multiple charges related to a fatal motor vehicle accident. Bynum was found guilty of three counts of Grossly Negligent Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle, three counts of Criminally Negligent Manslaughter by Vehicle, and three counts of Homicide by Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, among other related offenses.

The trial, which lasted three days, was overseen by the Honorable Matthew A. Maciarello, Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Wicomico County. Sentencing has been postponed to allow for a pre-sentence investigation, and until then, Bynum remains in custody.

The conviction stems from a tragic incident that occurred on May 19, 2024. Shortly before 3 a.m., a Somerset County Sheriff's Deputy discovered a head-on collision on U.S. Route 13, just south of St. Lukes Road in Wicomico County, Maryland.

Investigations revealed that Bynum had been driving his Dodge Durango northbound in the southbound lanes of U.S. Route 13 for approximately 5.8 miles before colliding head-on with a Subaru Impreza.

The collision resulted in the deaths of 20-year-old Dean Alexander Dennison, 19-year-old Sierra Rain Merchant, and their 1-year-old son, Grayson Dennison, all members of a family from upstate New York.

Bynum's blood alcohol concentration was found to be over one and a half times the legal limit for driving.

Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie Dykes issued a statement following the trial: "This is a tragic situation which resulted from Bynum's criminal decision to drive while he was under the influence of alcohol. He endangered countless citizens of Wicomico and Somerset County and ultimately took the lives of an entire family."

State's Attorney Dykes commended the Maryland State Police, specifically TFC Patrick Eckrich, TFC Dra'Karr Hopkins, and Sgt. Charles Gore, for their investigative efforts.

Dykes also acknowledged the Fruitland, Salisbury, and Allen Fire Departments, as well as Cpl. Kayla Corbin of the Somerset County Sheriff's Office, for their roles in responding to the incident.

Special recognition was given to Senior Assistant State's Attorney Lauren Bourdon and Assistant State's Attorney Jeffrey Hysan, Jr., for their diligent work in prosecuting the case.