Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich addressed the Aug. 4 fatal crash in Germantown for the first time Monday, Aug. 10, calling the incident "shocking" in his weekly newsletter. The crash, which killed a Virginia man commuting to a federal lab near Bethesda, is tied to a countywide juvenile auto theft surge that has also hit the Bethesda area.

A GoFundMe campaign for the victim's family has surpassed $100,000, up from roughly $17,800 on Aug. 5, according to Bethesda Magazine.

William Vance Payne II, 58, of Berryville, Virginia, died at approximately 5:25 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, when a stolen 2015 Kia Optima carrying seven juveniles between ages 12 and 15 struck his 2007 Toyota Matrix at the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway. Payne, a mechanical engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, had worked there nearly 30 years and was nearing retirement. His wife, Lisa, told the Winchester Star he was on his way to work when the crash occurred.

The 13-year-old male driver was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Six passengers were taken to area trauma centers. Some juveniles were sitting on others' laps and were not secured in their seats, according to MCPD spokeswoman Shiera Goff.

"At this age, they're not supposed to be driving," Goff told NBC4 Washington on Aug. 5. "You do not have a license at the age of 15. Right now, I would say, parents, just make sure you know where your children are. This happened at 5 o'clock in the morning."

Elrich's response

In his weekly message, Elrich said he does not often discuss crimes in his newsletter but felt compelled to address this one. He offered condolences to Payne's family and thanked Montgomery County Police for their investigation, writing that such work helps not only build criminal cases but also helps victims' families understand what happened.

The crash fits a broader pattern. Montgomery County saw a 20% increase in auto thefts in 2026 compared to 2025, MCPD Captain Cody Fields said in early August, before the crash. The department had arrested more than 90 juveniles and more than 40 adults on auto theft charges by that point.

Investigation and charges pending

The Montgomery County Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating. The probe could take several weeks to months, police said. No charges have been filed. Any potential charges will be determined by the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office after investigators present their findings.

The GoFundMe campaign, organized by Sophia Kedzierski, benefits Lisa Payne and describes her husband as "a loving, funny, patient and dedicated husband and father of five."

Payne leaves behind Lisa and five children, including three young children and two adult daughters. Residents with information about the crash can contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240-773-6620.