Severna Park Man Found Guilty for the Murder of US Army Lieutenant on the Campus of University of Maryland College Park; Sentencing is Scheduled for April 16, 2020, States Attorney Will Seek Life Without Parole

Sean Christopher Urbanski, 24, of Severna Park, Anne Arundel County, was found guilty of first degree murder yesterday for stabbing 22-year-old Army Lt. Richard Collins, III to death on the University of Maryland Campus in May 2017. Sentencing is scheduled for April 16, 2020. Prince George County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy says that her office will seek the maximum penalty of life without parole.

After a six-day trial and two and one-half hours of deliberation, a jury handed down the guilty verdict.

“I want to thank the attorneys for their amazing work on this case, for securing this guilty verdict and getting justice for the Collins’ family, Bowie State University and the entire community. This guilty verdict sends a message to the entire country that crimes of bigotry and hate will not be tolerated in Prince George’s County. This was an ugly and unprovoked attack fueled by hate and Mr. Urbanski cut short the life of Lt. Collins, who had a bright and promising future that included serving his country. We believe that Mr. Urbanski should face the highest possible penalty allowed by state law for his actions,” Braveboy said. “I also want to commend the Collins family for enduring and staying the course through this process.”

On May 20, 2017, Lt. Collins was standing at a bus stop on the University of Maryland campus when Urbanski walked up to him and said “Step left. Step left if you know what’s best for you.” Lt. Collins replied no and Urbanski stabbed him once in the chest. Lt. Collins later succumbed to his injuries and Urbanski was taken into custody a short distance from where the attack occurred.