Wednesday, May 23, 2023

PONTIAC, Mich. - On May 24, 2023, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD announced she will ask the court to treat the 16-year-old involved in the fatal hit and run that occurred in Walled Lake on March 22, 2023 as an adult. If granted, the defendant would be tried as an adult in juvenile court and could be subject to adult sentencing.

"When new information becomes available, I will always give a thorough analysis and make sure we pursue the strongest charges possible to ensure we are delivering justice for victims and their families," stated Prosecutor McDonald. "Based on the evidence, we believe this is the right decision and will carry the strongest possible penalty."

The Prosecutor is adding charges of Manslaughter and Reckless Driving Causing Death for the 16-year-old driver as well as Gavin Kassab, a 19-year-old resident of Commerce Township who was also in the vehicle. These charges are in addition to charges of First-Degree Fleeing and Eluding Causing Death and two counts Second-Degree Fleeing and Eluding. The 16-year-old faces an additional charge of Failure to Stop at the Scene of Personal Injury Accident, a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,000. First-degree Fleeing and Eluding Police Causing Death is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine. Manslaughter is a felony offense punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and up to a $7,000 fine. Reckless Driving Causing Death is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Charges were originally brought on May 11, 2023. These new charges will be issued later today, Wednesday May 24, 2023. All charges stem from a fatal crash that killed Piper Carrothers and injured others. The defendant was driving without a license and fleeing from police at the time of the fatal crash, allegedly at a rate of speed of 98 miles per hour through two red lights.

Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

###

Contact: Gabby Klos, Community Liaison, ocpomedia@oakgov.com