UPDATE
The hearing was adjourned to May 1st. While the outcome of the hearing was non-eventful and disappointing, WDIV reporter Nick Monacelli provided excellent coverage as we can see here:
NEWS ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minister Fuqua Bey (Event Organizer)
President of the Detroit Branch of the National Acton Network & community activist
Phone: (313) 717-3670
Scotty Boman, Media Liaison
Phone: (313) 247-2052 [Voice Only] Texting Phone: (313) 338-9769 [Text Only]
ScottyEducation@yahoo.com
Detroit Residents Advancing Civilian Oversight
Draco.Life
March 6th, 2025
Family and Activists Demand Justice for Crash Victims Outside Warren Court
When: Thursday March 6th, 2025.
- Supporters of victims gather 8:30 AM
- Hearing at 9:00 AM
- News conference after hearing.
Where: Warren 37th District Court. 8300 Common Rd., Warren, MI 48093.
Warren, Mich. — Family members and activists will gather outside the 37th District Court this Thursday to demand justice for DeJuan Pettis and Cedric Hayden, two men killed in a high-speed crash involving a police cruiser. The rally coincides with a preliminary hearing for Officer James Burke, who faces charges in connection with the deadly collision.
Pettis, 33, and Hayden, 34, lifelong friends, were fatally struck on September 30th last year when Officer Burke’s cruiser collided with their Dodge Durango at approximately 117 mph. According to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department, Burke and his partner were neither engaged in a high-speed chase nor using lights or sirens to alert other drivers of their speed. The victims’ families have since filed wrongful death lawsuits, and have alleged that Burke failed to apply his brakes before the crash. Both families are being represented by Fieger Law.
In November, the families learned that Burke had been charged with four counts, including manslaughter with a motor vehicle. However, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office declined to pursue second-degree murder charges, leaving the families frustrated. They also expressed disappointment that the second officer in the vehicle, who could have activated the cruiser’s lights or siren, has not been charged.
As the legal proceedings continue, the families of Pettis and Hayden are pushing for greater accountability and harsher charges against Burke, demanding the justice they believe their loved ones deserve.
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Detroit Residents Advancing Civilian Oversight 