WALDORF, Md. – On Monday, April 22, 2024, at approximately 2:58 p.m., Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to United States Route 301 (Crain Hwy) at Acton Lane for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to assume the investigation.
A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the MSP La Plata Barrack and the MSP CRASH Team indicates a GMC Envoy operated by Stacy Jermain Barksdale (38 yoa) of Waldorf, MD was traveling on southbound United States Route 301 approaching Acton Lane in the right turn only lane. At the same time, a Ford Expedition operated by Denise Kesterson (55 yoa) of Fort Washington, MD and occupied by Gary Cooper (61 yoa) of Fort Washington, MD was making a left turn from northbound United States Route 301 onto Acton Lane. The Ford had a steady green left arrow signal. Mr. Barksdale failed to obey a steady red traffic signal and failed to turn right as required. The GMC collided into the passenger side of the Ford and then the Ford collided with a guardrail on Acton Lane.
Mr. Cooper was pronounced deceased on the scene. Ms. Kesterson was transported by MSP Aviation Command Trooper 2, to University of Maryland Capital Region Hospital with serious injuries. Mr.
Barksdale was transported by ambulance to University of Maryland Capital Region Hospital with non- life-threatening injuries. Mr. Barksdale displayed signs of impairment on the scene of the collision.
Troopers are investigating alcohol, speed, and driver error as factors in the collision.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Sergeant J. Zimmerman of the MSP CRASH Team at (301) 392-1231 or can email a statement to justin.zimmerman@maryland.gov. The investigation is continuing and will be presented to the States Attorney’s Office for Charles County for charges. (24-MSP-012823)
Stacy Jermain Barksdale has 33 prior judicial cases , 2 of which are DUI 2008 and 2019 .
Now He has murdered an innocent man !
He deserves the death penalty for his actions , yet life in prison is the best Maryland can offer …KEEP THIS SELF CENTERED DRUK OFF THE HIGHWAYS .
LIFE IN PRISON IS THE BEST PUNISHMENT ..
There’s a lot of hatred coming through your comment. No one wants anyone to die in these situations and I’m sure Mr. Barksdale did not want that to happen either. I am praying for everyone involved and their families. This is a tragic accident that is still being investigated and no matter what the outcome is God has it in control.
Praise be his name! Thank God for this and all his gifts!
Couldn’t agree more. This guy should be put away for at least 25 and should never drive again. Going around the red light in the turning lane to boot. That should get him 10 alone even without being drunk. So avoidable.
So very true. I knew the man that lost his life. He was the sweetest person ever. Just heartbreaking.
WTF THATS MY DAD.
Who? Mr cooper or barksdale? Im so confused.
So as of today there are no Charges on this scum?
Hatred? How about accountability which seems to be lacking in our society these days.