Catlett Man Charged Following Fatal Collision on Route 17
CATLETT, VA — A Catlett man has been charged with manslaughter while driving intoxicated after a fatal two-vehicle crash early Friday, according to Virginia State Police.
At approximately 2:39 a.m. on Friday, a 2020 Harley-Davidson motorcycle collided with the rear of a stopped 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD on Route 17, about half a mile south of Spring Mill Road. The Silverado was reportedly stopped in the travel lane with its lights off.
The motorcycle’s driver, Justin P. Murphy, 42, of Fredericksburg, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Silverado, Arturo Ayala Martinez, 37, of Catlett, was not injured. He has been charged with driving while intoxicated—manslaughter.
The incident is currently under investigation by Virginia State Police. Further details regarding lane closures and the ongoing investigation have not been provided.