Man Charged In Crash That Killed 72-Year-Old Rochester Hills Man: Sheriff

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — A man has been charged in connection with a crash that left an elderly man dead last year in Rochester Hills, according to the sheriff's office.

The incident happened at 6:45 a.m. on Nov. 3, 2024, at the intersection of Avon and Rochester roads, sheriff's officials said.

Officials said 72-year-old Stephen Singleton was walking across the intersection when he was hit by a 2013 Ford Focus. Officials said he was wearing a reflective vest and was walking in the marked crosswalk area.

Singleton later died from his injuries sustained in the crash, officials said.

Jhadiel Portilla, 28, and a native of Colombia, was charged with moving violation causing death (2-year misdemeanor) and possession of a forged license plate (5-year felony).

However, sheriff's officials said it's unlikely Portilla will face the charges in Oakland County because he was deported to Colombia by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in February, three months after the crash.

Federal officials said Portilla was in the U.S. illegally when the crash happened.

Investigators said speed, drugs or alcohol were not factors in the crash.