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R C Edition OCEAN PINES • WEST OCEAN CITY • BERLIN MD
March 1, 2025
Volume 2, Issue 5
Tyler Mailloux pleads guilty to failing to stop at scene of accident in Gavin Knupp case; sentencing set for March 19 in hit and run near Ocean Pines By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher On Feb. 25, Tyler Mailloux, 24, of Berlin pleaded guilty to one felony count of failing to immediately stop his vehicle at the scene of an accident where he knew or should have known that the accident resulted in the death of another and a death actually occurred, according to a press release from the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office. The hit-and-run collision occurred on the night of July 11, 2022, on Gray’s Corner Road in Berlin, taking the life of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp. Judge Brett R. Wilson, retired Circuit Court Judge of Dorchester County, accepted Mailloux’s guilty plea and, upon conviction, ordered Mailloux to be immediately remanded to the custody of the Worcester County Detention Center pending sentencing. Mailloux’s sentencing date has been scheduled for March 19, at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years, with prosecutors recommending a 10-year sentence, with all but three years, 227 days suspended. By pleading guilty, he waived his right to a jury trial, leading to the revocation of his pretrial release. He was immediately taken into custody at the Worcester County Detention Center. On the evening of July 11, 2022, Gavin and his sister, Summer, were on their way home to Ocean Pines when Gavin asked her to stop the car on Gray’s Corner Road, a side road between the Glen Riddle development and Route 589 in Berlin. He wanted to take a picture of something that had been placed on a roadside telephone pole. As he made his way back to the car, he was struck by a vehicle that did not stop and continued driving. Gavin was rushed to Atlantic General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The hit-and-run led to both an
intense investigation and widespread controversy throughout the community. In the months following the tragedy, authorities identified the vehicle involved — a black Mercedes that was later found at a home where Mailloux lived with his mother and Ralph DeAngelus, a partner in the Matt Ortt Companies. The Matt Ortt Companies provide food and beverage services to the Ocean Pines Association’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Golf Clubhouse. Questions quickly arose about who knew what, and when, as it was alleged that Mailloux had been at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club before the accident. As word spread, a groundswell of local support formed around the Justice for Gavin movement, particularly within the restaurant and service industry. Many in the community voiced concerns over the delay in charges, as well as specula-
tion regarding the handling of key evidence. The case remained under intense public scrutiny for over two years before Mailloux finally admitted in court to being the driver. Gavin was a beloved son, brother and friend who had a passion for fishing, skateboarding and surfing. He loved spending time outdoors, enjoying the water, and making memories with his family and friends. He could often be found with his skateboard and friends at the Ocean Pines Skate Park. Gavin’s passing left a lasting mark on the Ocean Pines and surrounding communities, serving as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and responsibility on the road. His memory continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, as the fight for full justice remains a priority for his family and supporters.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
After Gavin Knupp was killed by a hit and run driver near Ocean Pines, the community rallied, gathering with signs, to support his family and friends and call for justice.
OP Board unanimously approves FY26 budget; new racquet sports membership fees going into effect By David Bohenick Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Board of Directors, at the Saturday, Feb. 22, board meeting, unanimously passed the $12.9 million FY26 budget with annual assessment fees set at $875 for non-waterfront and $1,515 for waterfront lots. The Racquet Sports Center is introducing a single membership for pickleball, tennis and platform tennis. Individual Ocean Pines Association members will pay $295 annually, while family members will pay $495 per year. Non-members will pay $370 for yearly individual racquet sports membership, while family non-members will pay $590 each year. Director Jeff Heavner called it a well-balanced budget, and praised the head of the racquet center, Terry
ROC Edition Screenshot
The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors discusses the FY26 budget and hears department heads’ monthly reports at the Feb. 22 meeting.
Underkoffer, for his analysis regarding the budget. “This process provided transparency throughout and multiple opportunities for opinion … (Terry) analyzed his numbers to ensure the center is maintained in a first-class condition, marketed and operated efficiently and effectively, provides a high degree of enjoyment and
satisfaction to those that choose to use it, and is operating in a businesslike manner to cover at a minimum the operating cost, including depreciation,” Heavner said. Director Elaine Brady agreed, adding a membership option for all racquet sports was long overdue. “Quite frankly, I always wondered
See OP BUDGET page 2