CLINTON TWP. (WWJ) — A Warren teenager, who was set to be sentenced for his role in a deadly 2022 stabbing in Fraser, was killed in a car crash earlier this week, according to multiple reports.
Collin West, 18, was involved in a three-car crash on Groesbeck south of Hall Road in Clinton Township shortly after 7 a.m. Tuesday, according to The Detroit News.
West and another driver collided that morning when he crossed into the center lane of Groesbeck the same time the other driver was merging into the center lane, according to the report.
His car then went into oncoming traffic and hit another car. West died at the hospital, while the other two drivers sustained minor injuries.
Back in February West pleaded guilty to charges of assault with intent to do great bodily harm and second-degree home invasion, stemming from the 2022 stabbing incident that left his 14-year-old classmate, Trent Redstrom, dead.
West had initially faced a felony murder charge for his involvement, but it was dismissed a week later.
West’s attorney informed a Macomb County Circuit Court Judge on Thursday that his client had died, ending the criminal case.
In September 2022 West and three other teens — Trent and two girls, ages 15 and 16 — broke into another 14-year-old boy’s home, where four other teens were. They were threatening to kill one of the teen, according to prior reports.
During the home invasion, the 14-year-old testified that he was scared so he grabbed his dad’s military knife to defend himself from Trent, who was also armed with a knife. He said when Trent backed him into a spare bedroom and began punching him in the head, he stabbed Trent. He also stabbed West, who was allegedly “straddling his friend and stabbing him,” according to the report.
Ultimately, Trent died of his injuries from the stabbing, which was ruled to be in self-defense.
The two girls involved in the case pleaded guilty to charges including misdemeanor assault and battery, as well as third-degree home invasion. Each teen was sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, meaning if they successfully complete their probation, their convictions will become nonpublic.