Ypsi Man Charged With Murder In Multi-Car Crash

The man police say was responsible for a fatal five-vehicle crash Tuesday in Ypsilanti Township has been charged with murder.

Police say 34-year-old Bradley Howard blew through a red light at the corner of Ecorse and Harris at a high rate of speed. In doing so, his vehicle struck a car going through the intersection, killing a 32-year-old Canton Township woman and injuring her two children.

Police said alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Howard has been charged with second degree murder and a list if additional charges including operating while intoxicated causing death and driving on a suspended license.

WWJ spoke with Washtinaw County Sheriff's Office spokesman Derick Jackson, who said they're satisfied with the charges.

"Obviously it's a significant, really tragic event, so it's nothing to be happy about it all. But, to be able to apprehend an individual who committed a crime such as this, and then to be able to get charges such as murder, I believe is the best we could hope for in such a tragic situation," Jackson said.

The injured 13-year-old boy remained hospitalized at University of Michigan hospital Thursday, but he is expected to recover.  The 11-year-old girl suffered what were described as non-life threatening injuries. 

Witnesses said Howard was driving at between 60 to 80 miles per hour when the accident occurred. Police say Howard's driver's license has been suspended since 2003.

Howard is being held without bond. He will be back in court next month

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