The Delaware State Police arrested 58-year-old Marvis Branch of Wilmington, Delaware, for vehicular homicide and traffic-related charges following a fatal head-on crash that occurred early this morning on I-495 in Wilmington that left one man dead. Future charges are pending as the incident continues to be investigated.
On March 4, 2025, at approximately 12:22 a.m., a white 2019 Toyota Corolla was traveling in the left lane of I-495 southbound, approaching Edgemoor Road. At the same time, a silver 2004 Lexus RX300, operated by Marvis Branch, was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-495, approaching Edgemoor Road. The preliminary investigation revealed the Lexus, traveling at an apparent high rate of speed, entered the Toyota’s path of travel. As a result, the Lexus impacted the Toyota in a head-on collision in the left lane of I-495 southbound.
The driver of the Toyota, 43-year-old man from Bear, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.
Branch was transported to an area hospital, where he was admitted for injuries sustained in the crash. During the investigation, troopers observed multiple signs of impairment from Branch, including the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. In the ensuing DUI investigation, impairment was suspected to be a factor at the time of the crash. Branch was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and turned over to the custody of the Department of Correction on a $27,700 cash bond.
- Vehicular Homicide 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway
- Failure to Have Required Insurance
The roadway was closed for approximately 5.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.