‘3 amazing people': Family leaving church killed in I-66 reckless driving crash

Grief often requires faith in the midst of an unforgettable tragedy. Parishioners at D.C.'s St. Augustine Catholic Church might agree as they reflect on how Marlysha, Paul and Leilani Liddell left this world. “It would’ve been horrible however they died. It is especially horrible that it was so violent, and they were such gentle people, such joy-filled people,” said Monica Gray with the church. “[…] Paul and Marylsha don’t have to live without their little girl, and Leilani doesn’t have to grow up without their parents.” Stream NBC4 newscasts for free right here, right now. The mother, father and their 4-year-old daughter died in a fiery crash on I-66 on Sunday afternoon as they headed home from church .

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Scoop News DeskD.C, District of Columbia · Published Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 5:10 AM UTCUpdated Friday, September 11, 2026 at 12:54 AM UTC

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I watched them drive away,” Gray said. “[…] And I keep thinking, ‘What if I had delayed them by five minutes?’” According to Virginia State Police, just after 4 p.m. As police continue to investigate, the Liddells' church is struggling with three unimaginable losses. “It’s not three fatalities; it’s three amazing people that the world has lost,” Gray said. “It’s a major blow,” said Melinda Jennings with the church. “It's going to be a very hard third Sunday and even beyond.” ‘3 amazing people': Family leaving church killed in I-66 reckless driving crash - NBC4 Washington. Two men, including the driver of a truck hauling oxygen tanks, were charged with reckless driving.

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