Detroit/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on June 08, 2024
Westland Man Charged in Fatal Shelby Township Crash That Killed Mother and Daughter on M-53Source: Google Street View

A recent crash in Shelby Township has resulted in grave consequences, claiming the lives of two women. On Thursday afternoon, a multi-vehicle collision on southbound M-53 near 22 Mile Road led to fatalities and subsequent charges against a Westland man. 33-year-old Jose Medina-Hernandez, who was driving a box truck, is said to have rear-ended a Buick Verano, creating a domino effect with involved multiple other vehicles, as reported by WWJ Newsradio 950.

The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has charged Medina-Hernandez with two counts of moving violation causing death. Those who tragically lost their lives have been identified as 88-year-old Nancy Richmond and her daughter, 63-year-old Crystal Brunn, "both people in the Buick" confirmed by the prosecutor, according to a report from The Macomb Daily. After the crash, police determined that Medina-Hernandez is in the U.S. illegally, leading to further investigations by ICE, as WWJ Newsradio 950 found out. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the tragic incident.

Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide expressed his distress regarding the accident, stating, "This was definitely a preventable accident that took the lives of a loving mother and daughter." Furthermore, he expressed his concern over Medina-Hernandez's lack of legal status in the country, as per a statement obtained by WWJ Newsradio 950. However, the main focus remains on the profound loss experienced by the victims' family and community.

At the arraignment, Medina-Hernandez was held on a $250,000 cash/surety bond, which he was unable to post, securing his stay at the Macomb County Jail. According to The Macomb Daily, the offenses carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. "Our office is committed to ensuring that justice is served," Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido stated, as learned by WWJ Newsradio 950, emphasizing the pursuit of accountability.

The Shelby Township Police Department is actively seeking information from the public about the crash, indicating a hope to "piece together the narrative of this tragic occurrence" and broaden involvement in the wake of the tragedy, as stated in an outreach effort reported by Hoodline. The community is encouraged to contact Officer Washburn with any relevant information as part of their collective responsibility to address the incident's aftermath and contribute to preventing such losses in the future.