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Romulus Man Charged in Fatal Crash
On September 22, 2021, at approximately 8:36 p.m., Romulus police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Middlebelt Road and Goddard Road in Romulus for a reported crash. Upon their arrival, officers were advised that Ms. Howard was trapped inside of her vehicle. Medics arrived on scene and pronounced Ms. Howard deceased. The 15-year-old victim and Defendant Merritt were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Defendant Merritt turned himself in to authorities on December 23, 2021.
It is alleged that the defendant was intoxicated, driving northbound in the southbound lane of Middlebelt Road at a high rate of speed when he struck the victim's vehicle head-on, fatally injuring Ms. Howard and non-fatally injuring the 15-year-old victim.
Robert Merritt has been charged with one count of Second-Degree Murder, one count of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, and one count of Reckless Driving Causing Death*
The defendant was arraigned on December 24, 2021 in 36th District Court and given a $100,000/10% bond with a GPS and alcohol tether. The defendant is also not allowed to drive. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for March 9, 2022 in 34th District Court before Judge Brian Oakley. Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Romulus Police Department.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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