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Two Detroit Men Charged in West Eight Mile Road/Cherrylawn Street Fatal Car Crash

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Michael Lavell Lipscomb, Jr., 29 (DOB: 10/08/1990) and Jeffrey Cordell Roberts, 20, (DOB: 06/16/2000), both of Detroit, in connection with a fatal car crash that killed a two-year old male infant, and critically injured a four-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl who were passengers in the vehicle. The driver of the struck vehicle was injured, as well.

On September 4, 2020 at approximately 2:09 p.m., Detroit Police were dispatched to the scene of an automobile accident at West Eight Mile Road and Cherrylawn Street in Detroit. The officers discovered a vehicle collided with another vehicle and then struck a vacant building in the 8400 block of West Eight Mile Road before it came to rest. Further, the officers found several injured people both on nearby grass and in the cars. Two children were privately conveyed to a local hospital for treatment. Medics arrived on the scene and transported the remaining victims to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.

It is alleged that the defendants were drag racing, traveling eastbound on West Eight Mile Road at a high rate of speed. It is alleged that the Defendant Lipscomb disregarded the red traffic signal on West Eight Mile Road, struck another vehicle and careened into a vacant building. It is also alleged that Defendant Roberts also disregarded the red traffic signal on West Eight Mile Road. Investigation by the Detroit Police led to the identification of Defendants Lipscomb and Roberts. Further evidence will be placed on the record in court at the Preliminary Examination.

"Do we really have to remind drivers that one should not drag race down a city street at deadly speeds - especially with unbelted children in the car? Seriously? But apparently, we do, because these are the alleged facts in this case. One child is dead and two others are seriously injured. Come on - we are better than this," said Prosecutor Worthy.

Lipscomb has been charged with Second Degree Murder, Reckless Driving Causing Death, three counts of Child Abuse - Second Degree, three counts of Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment.* The three counts of Child abuse are for his three children in the backseat of his car. The three counts of Driving Causing Serious Impairment are for his two children and the innocent driver he hit. Defendant Lipscomb sustained injuries in the car crash. When the arraignment date is confirmed, an updated release will be sent out. A photograph of the defendant will not be available until after the arraignment.

Roberts has been charged with Second Degree Murder, Reckless Driving Causing Death, three counts of Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment. * The three counts of Driving Causing Serious Impairment are for the two children and the innocent driver injured during the race down West Eight Mile Road.

Roberts was arraigned in 36^th District Court. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for October 9, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.; the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for October 16, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. Both hearings are before Judge Ronald Giles in 36^th District Court. Defendant Roberts received a $100,000 cash/surety bond. Please contact the Detroit Police Department for a photograph of the defendant.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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