Suspect in Ypsilanti Township crash that injured a pregnant woman required to post additional $500 in bond
The suspect in a hit-and-run crash that injured a pregnant woman and her boyfriend at an Ypsilanti Township bus stop remains free on bond, but was required to post an additional $500 on Tuesday because of what a judge called “unusual” circumstances.
At a preliminary examination for Kimberly Sue Burke in Washtenaw County 14-A District Court, Assistant Prosecutor Paul Barnett asked Chief Judge Kirk Tabbey to reconsider an earlier court decision that allowed Burke to post $500 and be out of jail awaiting action on her case.
Christian Jimenez, 25, remains hospitalized recovering from a broken neck and other serious injuries he suffered in the accident, Barnett said, and Tanesha Bush, 24, is recovering from leg injuries.
Christian Jimenez and Tanesha Bush were injured June 3 when they were hit by a driver in Ypsilanti Township.
Burke is charged with two counts of failing to stop at an accident resulting in an injury June 3 after her 2002 Ford Taurus veered off Huron River Drive and directly into Jimenez and Bush at a nearby bus stop.
Police said the car struck them both, along with mailboxes, street signs and a brick wall.
Burke was arrested roughly a half-hour after the collision as she was walking on Superior Road. Police found her damaged car parked in the woods nearby.
“This seems unusual to plow into two people at a bus stop as indicated and then to drive off,” Tabbey said Tuesday, explaining his reasoning for the increase in bond. “I just think that it was too low for this.”
The preliminary examination was then adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on June 28 as the prosecutor’s office awaits results of toxicology tests sent to an outside lab for analysis.
Burke’s private attorney, Thomas Moors, told Tabbey that Burke has complied with everything the court has asked and poses no risk to the public.
“She basically is living with her parents, and since that (accident) date, has done every single thing that you’ve asked,” he said.
Burke’s father and other family members present Tuesday referred all questions to Moors. He declined comment, other than to ask the public not to presume guilt without evidence.
Court documents showed the $500 in additional bond was paid in full.
As members of both victims’ families left the courtroom, they said Bush and Jimenez will have a long road of physical and emotional recovery ahead.
Jimenez remains at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he is expected to stay for the next 6 to 8 weeks, said his mother, Portia Brown.
Brown said her son is recovering from a surgery Sunday where doctors placed several titanium plates into his head. She was told there’s an “80 percent chance” of a full recovery, but said that will take time. Jimenez remains sedated and has not spoken since the surgery.
“We’re a very close family in times of trouble; we always pull together and stick together,” she said. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be. It’s reassuring him most of all, that his mom and dad are there.”
Lisa Bush said her daughter, Tanesha Bush, is also recovering. Ultrasounds have shown Tanesha’s five-month pregnancy is safe, though she has a broken leg.
The emotional toll of the accident, Lisa Bush said, has left the family struggling.
“I just know my baby is not walking. She cries all the time because she’s depressed,” Lisa Bush said.
Heidi Fenton covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heidifenton@annarbor.com or 734-623-4673. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
jj77
Fri, Jun 17, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
for all the people with all these negitive comments.... you are not god an only god can judge. i no this is a horriable thing that happend to these young people. but dont you think its horriable for her family to. yes miss burke is responsable for her actions. an it is very devastating what happened but that dosent mean she is the worst person in the world maybe there are circumstances in her life just like we ALL have in ours an we dont no what truely happened i see alot of assuming. i pray for the family that there son will be ok an im glad the mother an baby are ok. an im also gonna pray for miss burke. god bless everyone
Grimey
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
So... After she hid her car did she change her clothes (as other news sources have reported)? Is this a fact A2dotcom?
Grimey
Thu, Jun 16, 2011 : 7:52 p.m.
Is anyone at A2dotcom going to answer this??
Bertha Venation
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
Heck... What are they doing... raising her bond a nickel at a time??
jj77
Fri, Jun 17, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.
why r are you gonna pay it ???
dana
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.
this is not comforting to know that just 500.00 more is good so if some was killed thank GOD that didnt happen bond would have been 3,ooo un believable......
mrshicks2000
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.
"...she poses no risk to the public." Really? Did he just say that? Ummmm yes she does if she's out running "the public" over with her car and taking off!
eyegurl
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 12:05 p.m.
In our Judicial system as a Magistrate you are given guidelines. When you are presented with two counts of leaving the scene of an accident there is a bail guideline. When the Magistrate asks the arresting officer for comment and none is given. He or She must proceed within the guidelines. Is this a pleasable thing for either side no. As a mother I would be devastated if this happened. Unfortunately our judicial system is tied by another set of rules one of which emotion has no part. Mr. Nelson was doing his job a difficult one under any circumstances
Ignatz
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
The sentance, "Burke's private attorney, Thomas Moors, told Tabbey that Burke has complied with everything the court has asked and poses no risk to the public." would indicate that more than the bond was involved. Perhaps a reporter could find out what other restrictions were involved. I'd also like to point out that the purpose of a bond and any other conditions placed upon a suspect by the court are meant to ensure the suspect is available for trial in addition to not putting the public in any further jeopardy. The trial, if any, will determine the punishment for any crimes committed. That, my friends, is the American way.
Monica R-W
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 10:53 p.m.
Ok, now $1000 bucks. Thanks for updating the story but sorry....Judge Nelson needs to be reprimanded for his actions in this case. Who cares if Burke is 'compiling' as a victim is still in the hospital in a semi-coma state, recovering from injuries produced by her and her vehicle.
Roadman
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.
According to Michigan Secretary of State campaign finance records downloadable at <a href="http://www.michigan.gov" rel='nofollow'>www.michigan.gov</a> Thomas Moors, criminal defense attorney for Miss Burke, has made contibutions to no less than eight district and circuit judge campaign committees in addition to the Washtenaw County Democratic Party. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Paul Barnett per County Clerk campaign finance records downloadable at <a href="http://www.ewashtenaw.org" rel='nofollow'>www.ewashtenaw.org</a> has previously donated to the Brian Mackie for Prosecutor campaign organization. In 1996, Prosecutor Brian Mackie defeated Kirk Tabbey to retain his seat as County Prosecutor. Tabbey went on to obtain a gubernatorial appointment as 14-A District Judge and reviewed the bond in this case, ruling favorably for Moors' client. Always look for patterns of contributions to district and circuit court judges and county prosecutor candidates to ascertain possible "insider" status.
Monica R-W
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 10:56 p.m.
Interesting Roadman. Good background investigative work.
sig.melvin
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 10:21 p.m.
leaving the scene of an acident , with three people (two grown and a not jet born baby) .. $ 500 bond..... best deal in town....
eyegurl
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
In our Judicial system as a Magistrate you are given guidelines. When you are presented with two counts of leaving the scene of an accident there is a bail guideline. When the Magistrate asks the arresting officer for comment and none is given. He or She must proceed within the guidelines. Is this a pleasable thing for either side no. As a mother I would be devastated if this happened. Unfortunately our judicial system is tied by another set of rules one of which emotion has no part. Mr. Nelson was doing his job a difficult one under any circumstances.
Roadman
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 9:55 p.m.
Wow! Five hundred extra dollars for a bond with one victim in critical condition, despite the vigorous advocacy of the County Prosecutor's office. Thomas Moors is a longtime local criminal defense attorney. Moors can safely be described as an "insider" in the local court system. He has previously served as a court-appointed receiver in the Washtenaw County Circuit Court. He likely has been earning his fee in this case and no doubt deserves and likely got a big pat-on-the-back by Miss Burke and her family.