(WWJ) A Warren District Court judge has ruled a former police officer will stand trial on manslaughter charges connected to a deadly crash that claimed the lives of two autoworkers.
Judge John Chmura issued his decision against James Burke Friday morning saying evidence showing Burke was driving 114 miles per hour with no lights and sirens was enough to suggest he was grossly negligent, according to WWJ legal analyst Charlie Langton.
The crash occurred last September as, investigators say, Burke sped down Schoenherr Road and crashed into an SUV. Cedric Hayden Jr., and DeJuan Pettis, who were best friends and going home from work, were killed.
Burke was charged with:
• Two counts: Homicide – Manslaughter with a motor vehicle; a fifteen-year felony
• One count: Moving violation causing serious impairment of body function; a 93-day misdemeanor
• One count: Public Officer – Willful neglect of duty; a one-year misdemeanor.
Burke's defense attorney blamed the crash on Hayden Jr., who turned in front of the police SUV and was drunk.
The case now moves to Macomb County Circuit Court.
If convicted on the manslaughter charges, Burke faces up to 15 years in prison.