Michigan prosecutors have sent a strong message to those who throw rocks at vehicles from overpasses by charging five teenage boys with murder after their actions allegedly resulted in the death of a motorist last week.
Father Of Four Killed By Six Pound Rock Thrown From Overpass
On October 18 around 8:30 p.m., 32 year old Ken White was on his way home from work on I-75 when the van he was traveling in as a passenger was hit by a six pound rock. White was struck in the chest and head and died as a result of the incident. The incident took place in Vienna Township about 80 miles north of Detroit.
5 teens charged with second-degree murder after being accused of throwing a rock off an overpass that killed a man https://t.co/IMouMIN2VM pic.twitter.com/Cf78meRmvo
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) October 24, 2017
Four other vehicles were believed to have been damaged by the rock throwing.
Sheriff Robert Pickell says that police found about 20 other rocks on the interstate — including a rock that weighed 20 pounds.
After the incident that led to White’s death, the teenagers reportedly left to eat at a McDonalds restaurant.
Teens Face Multiple Felony Charges, Denied Bail
Kyle Anger, 17 years old, Mark Sekelsky, 16 years old, Mikadyn Payne, 16 years old, Trevor Gray, 15 years old, and Alexander Miller, 15 years old, were all charged yesterday with second degree murder for their suspected role in White’s death. They also face charges for conspiracy and property destruction. In all, each teen faces eight felony charges and two misdemeanors. The judge had chosen to deny bail because of the seriousness of the crime.
Developing: The five teens charged in the I-75 rock throwing incident have been arraigned on 2nd degree murder charges. Judge denies bail. pic.twitter.com/6KLGUY0WTt
— Bill Harris (@BillHarrisTV) October 24, 2017
A second-degree murder charge could lead to a sentence of life in prison.
Anger turned himself into police. The other teens were arrested.
Pickell emphasized the seriousness of the crime: “It’s not a prank. It’s second-degree murder. I don’t think anybody’s laughing. You make a bad decision, you could be spending the rest of your life in prison. This is not a prank.”
White left behind four children and was engaged to be married.