LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Mich. (WJBK) - The Livingston County Prosecutor announced on Wednesday that murder charges were filed against a Fenton man who they say is responsible for the horrific two-car crash that killed five people in May.
Matthew Carrier, 22, was charged with five counts of second degree murder, five counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, two counts of OWI causing serious injury, five counts of driving with a suspended license causing death, and two counts of driving with a suspended license causing serious injury.
5 killed in horrific crash, Michigan police say driver ran stop sign
Prosecutors say Carrier was driving south on Argentine Road when he ran a stop sign at M-59 and crashed into another vehicle. Two of Carrier's passengers, Justin Henderson and Preston Wetzel, were killed in the accident.
In the other car, Jerome Tortomasi, 73, his girlfriend, Linda Hurley, 69, and her daughter Candice Dunn, who had just accepted a Michigan's Parole Agent of the Year award before the crash, were also killed.
Carrier faces life in prison if convicted.
Probation Agent Honored Hours Before Killed In Horrific Crash
The only survivor in the other vehicle, 39-year-old Albert Boswell of Oakland County, was released from the hospital a week after the crash.
SEE ALSO:
- Police believe alcohol to be a factor in M-59 crash that killed 5 people
- Mom says son caused M-59 crash that killed 5 was drunk, told him not to drive
- Neither driver in crash that killed 5 had valid licenses
- Victims of deadly Livingston County crash identified
"[Wetzel] had this amazing attitude," says Sierra Tinglin-Maurer. "I mean the last thing Preston ever said to me was, “You know Sierra, I really think with a smile and positive attitude you can get through anything."
Tinglin-Maurer worked with Wetzel at Yaya's Chicken in Fenton, and Justin Henderson was a regular at Vaporia World of Flavor.
"He's a really good kid, really respectful, really kind," says Patrick Ar, Vaporia. "He's going to be missed."
A day before the accident, Carrier posted a meme on Facebook, "This could be us but I got no license." He had no business being behind the wheel; his license was suspended.
Carrier's mother says he battled mental illness and was so drunk during the accident that he could've died from alcohol poisoning.
"I told him many times to not drink and drive," Allen says.