SHELBY TWP. (WWJ) -- A Westland man is facing criminal charges in connection with a multi-vehicle crash that killed two people, Wednesday afternoon in Shelby Township.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office announced that 33-year-old Jose Medina-Hernandez has been charged with two counts of moving violation causing death, following the wreck along M-53, near 22 Mile Rd.
Authorities said Hernandez was driving a box truck southbound on M-53 when he rear ended a Buick Verano, triggering a pileup involving two other vehicles. Both people in the Buick — 88-year-old Nancy Richmond, and her daughter, 63-year-old Crystal Brunn — were killed in the crash.
Medina-Hernandez was treated for injuries at a hospital before he was taken to jail.
“Our office is committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions in this incident," said Prosecutor Pete Lucido, in a statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this senseless loss."
According to Shelby Township Police, it was determined following the crash that Medina-Hernandez is in the U.S. illegally, and ICE has been contacted for further investigation.
Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said, in a statement:
“First, I want to express my deepest sympathy to the victims and their family. This was definitely a preventable accident that took the lives of a loving mother and daughter. I am distraught over the fact that the suspect, Jose Eugenio Median-Hernandez was found to have no legal status in the country."
Bond for Hernandez was set at $250,000 cash/surety at his arraignment in 41A-1 Shelby Township District Court on Friday. Police said Mediana-Hernandez was unable to post bond and remains in the Macomb County Jail.
Future court dates are pending.