Teen Killed After Car Hits His Family's Vehicle Head-On

A Capitol Heights teenager on his way home from football practice with his stepfather and sister was killed Tuesday night in a head-on collision, and police were investigating whether the driver who plowed into the family's car was drinking before the crash.

Christian P. Upshur, 13, was riding in a Dodge Stratus headed west on Central Avenue near Maryland Park Drive -- just minutes from his home on Clovis Avenue -- when a Mercury Grand Marquis headed east crossed the double yellow line, police said, and the cars collided. All three people in Christian's car were taken to a hospital, where Christian later died. The driver of the Marquis was also hospitalized, police said.

Linda Whittingham, Christian's aunt, said her nephew had just finished football practice at Perrywood Elementary School; his stepfather and sister had gone to watch. She said she went to scene of the crash and she saw the driver of the Marquis refuse a police request to submit blood and urine samples, instead asking frantically, "Did I hurt somebody?"

"Right now, we're in shock," Whittingham said. "Somebody just crossed the line and hit them head-on."

Whittingham said Christian's sister, 15-year-old Jasmine Upshur, and the stepfather, David Brooks, had injuries that were not considered life-threatening. As of Wednesday afternoon, Jasmine had been released from the hospital, having suffered bumps and bruises, Whittingham said. Brooks, however, remained hospitalized with a broken nose, wrist and arms and injuries to his legs, she said.

Police did not identify the driver of the Marquis because he had not been charged, a process that could take weeks or months. Officers said only that he lives in the District and that investigators were exploring whether speed or alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Whittingham said Jasmine told her the oncoming car was speeding, but the driver did not seem incoherent at the scene.

Christian was a seventh-grader at G. James Gholson Middle School, and he lived in Capitol Heights with his mother, family members said. He played running back and linebacker for the Prince George's Chargers, an American Youth Football League club for ages 6 to 14.

Alvin Brown, one of Christian's football coaches, said Christian was a competitive player although one more concerned about having a good time than winning a game. He said he last talked to the teenager only hours before the crash, complimenting him on a stellar performance at a game in Salisbury on Saturday. As was typical of Christian, he took the praise without saying much.

"It's really sad, you know, to be at the field talking to him one minute and then you get a call a couple hours later," Brown said. "It's like, 'You've got to be kidding me. You can't be talking about Christian.' "

Antoine Banks, another of Christian's coaches, fought back tears Wednesday as he returned to the football practice field to talk to reporters.

He made only a brief statement, stepping away as his emotions overcame him.

"Christian was a special kid. . . . He had come on the team full of energy, very attentive and just wanted to be out here," Banks said. "What kills me is that no one will ever know Christian Upshur."