Garrett County Jury Convicts Man in Fatal Deep Creek Lake UTV Incident
OAKLAND, Md. — A Garrett County jury has convicted Ricky A. Wise of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, of homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, homicide by motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, and criminally negligent manslaughter.
The verdict followed a two-day jury trial in the Circuit Court for Garrett County that concluded Sept. 18. Judge Justin Gregory continued the sentencing phase and ordered a pre-sentence investigation.
The charges stem from a February 2025 incident on Deep Creek Lake. According to evidence presented at trial, Wise was operating a Polaris UTV on the frozen surface of the lake with passenger David Linsenbigler.
Vehicles other than snowmobiles are prohibited from operating on the frozen lake surface.
The UTV broke through the ice near the Glendale Bridge and became submerged. Wise was able to escape from the vehicle, but Linsenbigler remained trapped inside until divers were able to cut him free.
Linsenbigler was transported for medical treatment but died the following day.
During the trial, several witnesses testified about Wise’s alcohol consumption and behavior before the incident. Jurors also reviewed medical records involving Wise and heard expert testimony from a toxicologist regarding the medical records and alcohol toxicology.
The investigation was conducted by Sgt. John Butts of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, with assistance from numerous officers from the agency.
The case was prosecuted by Garrett County State’s Attorney Christian Mash.
Following the verdict, Mash expressed sympathy for the Linsenbigler family and recognized the family’s strength throughout the case. He also thanked the jurors for their service and the first responders who assisted during the emergency, including police officers, volunteer firefighters, medical personnel and others who attempted to help.
Sentencing will take place after the completion of the court-ordered pre-sentence investigation.
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