Prosecutors Accuse Detroit Woman Of Killing Elderly Man In Crash

DETROIT, MI — A Detroit woman has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with a deadly crash that killed an elderly pedestrian, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Shemeeka Lashawn Walthall, 26, is accused by prosecutors of losing control of her vehicle and causing a crash that killed 82-year-old Arthur Brewer, of Detroit.

Detroit police officers on April 14 responded to the area of Evergreen Road and Pilgrim Street due to a two vehicle crash involving a pedestrian, prosecutors said. When officers arrived, they discovered Brewer dead at the scene, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said they believe Walthall, with a passenger in her car, drove her vehicle northbound on Evergreen Road at a high rate of speed before crossing a double yellow traffic line on the left, passing a Detroit Department of Transportation bus and attempting to re-enter the northbound lane.

Prosecutors said Walthall lost control of her vehicle, left the roadway and struck a tree before striking Brewer's parked vehicle in his driveway. Brewer had been unloading groceries from the vehicle, prosecutors said.

Walthall and the passenger in her vehicle fled the scene before Walthall turned herself in to police, prosecutors said.

Walthall was charged on Saturday with second-degree murder, reckless driving causing death and leaving the scene when at fault causing death, prosecutors said. She was arraigned the same day in 34th District Court and given a $50,000 bail, prosecutors said.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for April 30, with preliminary examination slated for May 7, prosecutors said.