A Westland woman has admitted legal responsibility in a deadly New Year’s Day hit-and-run, entering a no-contest plea on Friday to operating under the influence causing death in a crash that killed a 61-year-old man. The move caps months of court hearings and clears the way for sentencing next month, with prosecutors agreeing to drop other charges as part of the deal.
Plea details and schedule
According to ClickOnDetroit, 37-year-old Jasmine Wynn pleaded no contest to a single felony count of operating under the influence causing death. The outlet reports that, under the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed the remaining counts and that Wynn is set to be sentenced on April 24.
Crash and arrest
Officers were called around 4 a.m. on Jan. 1 to Grand Traverse Street near Belding Court, where they found a 61-year-old man lying unconscious in the roadway. He was taken to a hospital and later died, CBS Detroit reported. The driver left the scene but was tracked to her home in Westland and arrested a short time later, the station added.
Charges and arraignment
Prosecutors initially charged Wynn with operating while intoxicated, causing death, failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death, and assaulting or resisting a police officer, FOX 2 Detroit reported. She was arraigned on Jan. 3 and released on a $10,000 personal bond with an alcohol tether, according to the station.
What the law says
Under Michigan law, operating while intoxicated that causes death is a felony that can bring prison time and fines, and failing to stop at the scene of a crash that results in death can carry penalties of up to 15 years and fines under the Michigan Vehicle Code (see the Michigan Legislature and the Michigan Legislature). Those statutes help frame the potential consequences in cases where intoxication and a fatality are involved.
What’s next
At Wynn’s April 24 sentencing, a judge will determine whether she serves prison time or receives alternative penalties consistent with the plea agreement, with additional details expected in court filings. Anyone with information about the crash is still asked to contact the Westland Police Department Traffic Bureau at 734-722-9633, CBS Detroit reported.
