Victims’ Families Demand Tougher Charges in Warren Fatal Crash
WARREN, Mich. – Victims’ families demand tougher charges in the Warren fatal crash that claimed the lives of two young men, arguing that the current charges against Warren police officer James Edward Burke do not reflect the severity of his actions. Burke, who was allegedly speeding in his police vehicle without activating lights or sirens, is facing two counts of manslaughter. However, the families of the victims believe he was undercharged and are calling for harsher penalties.
The fatal crash took the lives of best friends Cedric Hayden, Jr. and Dejuan Pettis, leaving their families devastated. The case has sparked outrage, with loved ones demanding justice for the young men whose lives were cut short due to what they believe was reckless behavior by a law enforcement officer.
Burke made a brief court appearance, but emotions ran high outside the courtroom on Thursday, March 6 as families and supporters gathered to protest. Their attorney argued that the manslaughter charges do not go far enough, considering the circumstances of the crash.
Families Speak Out: A Plea for Justice
For Cedric Hayden Sr., the pain of losing his son is unbearable. Speaking passionately outside the courthouse, he expressed his frustration that Burke remains free while his son is gone forever.
“This man goes home to his family daily,” Hayden Sr. said. “He gets to hold his family. I don’t get to hold my son. I hold his memories, but I can’t hold my son. This man is going home every day. He’s going home today again, and that’s not right.”
Other grieving family members echoed this sentiment, vowing to keep fighting for stronger charges and accountability. They insist that the charges would likely be far more severe if an ordinary citizen had been behind the wheel in a similar crash.
What Compensation Can Victims’ Families Seek?
Beyond the criminal case, the families of Cedric Hayden, Jr. and Dejuan Pettis may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. In cases like this, families can pursue damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. When a police officer’s negligence leads to fatalities, legal action can help hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial relief to grieving families.
How Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Can Help
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand the emotional and financial toll of losing a loved one due to negligence. Our experienced attorneys specialize in wrongful death cases, and we are committed to securing justice for families affected by fatal accidents. We work diligently to investigate the crash’s circumstances, gather evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
We stand with the families of Cedric Hayden, Jr. and Dejuan Pettis in their pursuit of justice. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The fight for justice is far from over, and the families of these two young men remain determined to see that Officer Burke faces the full consequences of his actions.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are available by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
