Jury finds driver guilty of second-degree murder for fleeing police and killing woman
Last Friday, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido’s office announced that an 18-year-old Detroit man was convicted of second-degree murder and other charges for killing a 31-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn child while also paralyzing the husband and injuring her 4-year-old son in a traffic crash while fleeing police.
Assistant Prosecutor Steve Fox presented the case before the jury. On July 24, Travion Smith, was found guilty as charged by the jury for the following:
• Homicide -2nd Degree, a felony punishable for life or any number of years.
• Pregnant Individual Causing Miscarriage, a felony punishable up to 15 years
• Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment, a felony punishable up to 5 years
• Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment, a felony punishable up to 5 years
• Police Officer Flee and Elude 1st Degree, a felony punishable up to 15 years.
On August 12, 2023, at 9:30 p.m., Smith was driving a Chevy Equinox traveling northbound on Van Dyke Avenue at 15 Mile Road. Police attempted a traffic stop on Smith, who was 16 years old at the time. Rather than simply stop, Smith fled the police, driving up to 93 mph recklessly. Smith ran the red light at 16 Mile and Van Dyke and hit the car driven by Norman Gumma with his pregnant wife, Faith, and his 4-year-old son. Faith and her unborn child were pronounced dead at the scene, while Norman remains paralyzed. Their son has recovered from his injuries. Smith was somehow unharmed in the accident.
“This time, a jury has spoken! Enough is enough! This jury verdict reminds us all that every choice we make carries consequences that go far beyond the moment. This young man’s decision to flee from a routine traffic stop has left an overwhelming loss. His actions not only shattered a family but also eroded the community’s sense of security. Our office will always tirelessly pursue justice for the families who have to live with these unnecessary, tragic events,” said Lucido after the verdict.
Lucido is actively calling on Michigan lawmakers to come together in support of strong, bipartisan legislation to address the growing public safety threat of drivers who refuse to stop for law enforcement.
The Michigan House is now taking up a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police.
“Every time someone runs, they roll the dice with innocent lives. I want to end that gamble,” Prosecutor Lucido said. “We need statutory enhancement of consequences including mandatory prison time. The people of the state of Michigan deserve to be protected.”
Assistant Prosecutor Steve Fox presented the case before the jury. On July 24, Travion Smith, was found guilty as charged by the jury for the following:
• Homicide -2nd Degree, a felony punishable for life or any number of years.
• Pregnant Individual Causing Miscarriage, a felony punishable up to 15 years
• Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment, a felony punishable up to 5 years
• Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment, a felony punishable up to 5 years
• Police Officer Flee and Elude 1st Degree, a felony punishable up to 15 years.
On August 12, 2023, at 9:30 p.m., Smith was driving a Chevy Equinox traveling northbound on Van Dyke Avenue at 15 Mile Road. Police attempted a traffic stop on Smith, who was 16 years old at the time. Rather than simply stop, Smith fled the police, driving up to 93 mph recklessly. Smith ran the red light at 16 Mile and Van Dyke and hit the car driven by Norman Gumma with his pregnant wife, Faith, and his 4-year-old son. Faith and her unborn child were pronounced dead at the scene, while Norman remains paralyzed. Their son has recovered from his injuries. Smith was somehow unharmed in the accident.
“This time, a jury has spoken! Enough is enough! This jury verdict reminds us all that every choice we make carries consequences that go far beyond the moment. This young man’s decision to flee from a routine traffic stop has left an overwhelming loss. His actions not only shattered a family but also eroded the community’s sense of security. Our office will always tirelessly pursue justice for the families who have to live with these unnecessary, tragic events,” said Lucido after the verdict.
Lucido is actively calling on Michigan lawmakers to come together in support of strong, bipartisan legislation to address the growing public safety threat of drivers who refuse to stop for law enforcement.
The Michigan House is now taking up a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police.
“Every time someone runs, they roll the dice with innocent lives. I want to end that gamble,” Prosecutor Lucido said. “We need statutory enhancement of consequences including mandatory prison time. The people of the state of Michigan deserve to be protected.”
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