MILTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - Prosecutors in southwestern Michigan say a 14-year-old faces juvenile charges after authorities say he was driving a car that crashed and killed his 12-year-old friend.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said Thursday his office has authorized a juvenile petition. That’s the equivalent of a warrant for adults.
The boy will be charged with reckless driving causing death along with a lesser civil infraction.
Fitz says prosecutors can charge a juvenile as an adult but they determined this was “a reckless act rather than a specific intent to maim or kill.”
Authorities say the 14-year-old was speeding along a snow-slicked road early on Dec. 31 in Milton Township when he lost control and struck a tree. Passenger Adrian Chiquito of Niles died.
His first hearing is expected within a month.
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