STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- A Detroit teenager will spend 25 to 50 years in prison for causing a deadly crash while fleeing from police in Macomb County two years ago.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office says 18-year old Travion Smith was sentenced Tuesday morning after he was convicted second degree homicide, reckless driving and other charges last month.
In 2023, 16-year-old Smith led police on a high-speed chase, ending in a crash at 16 Mile and Van Dyke in Sterling Heights.
Authorities said Smith was going 93 miles per hour when he ran a red light and crashed into a car with a family, including a pregnant mother, inside.
Faith Gumma, 31, and her unborn child were killed.
Her husband, Norman Gumma, was paralyzed in the crash.
The couple's 4-year-old child recovered from his injuries.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message: when you choose to run from the police, you will walk to a jail. This young adult’s reckless flight cost a pregnant woman and her unborn child their lives, left her husband paralyzed, and forever changed a young child’s future," said Prosecutor Keith Lucido, in a statement.
"Nothing can undo that pain, but this sentence brings accountability and justice for the victims and their loved ones. We hope this case reminds everyone that fleeing law enforcement is never worth the risk. One reckless decision can shatter countless lives."
This comes as the Michigan House is considering legislation that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police.
That's something Lucido said he supports.
“We need statutory enhancement of consequences including mandatory prison time. The people of Michigan deserve to be protected," Lucido said.