Bob Needham

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 3:43 p.m.

(comment removed due to a personal attack)

Julie

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:19 a.m.

I feel horrible for this young mother's children, and family who are left to put the pieces back together. Also, I feel for the family/children of the driver of the car who are hurting and will be embarassed by their parents poor choice. But it is not this mother's fault or any of these children's. We should be praying for her injured children and for her family's loss. As well as the driver's family as they too will ultimately be punished for his actions -unfortunately. But I do agree with those who have stated it earlier, who ever supplied that car/plate/keys to him should also answer for this...

golfbum

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:21 a.m.

We should revisit the death penalty.

jns131

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 8:33 a.m.

I just heard something on the radio within the last week. There is something new the state is going to do and I love the idea, but not sure how it is going to keep these idiots off the roads. They are calling it super drunk. Meaning if your blood alcohol level is like say.07 you are super drunk. They said they would literally take the car, sell it and give it to the families they killed or inured. Plus fine them a huge fee. But it still does not keep them off the road. They will find a way. Maybe photos of do not sell to this person? Who knows. How sad. Did you see that show what would you do? This lady acted drunk and was asking people to blow into this thing so her car would start. One guy did because he felt sorry for her. Sorry, but you are an accessory to this fact. Wow. Even with these devices how do you stop someone from driving drunk. That area is scary and I live near that area too. Wow. Good luck to the family. I agree, that guy will be out in no time flat. Need tougher laws to end this tragedy.

toofmullets

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 7:31 a.m.

@ViSHa - I can't speak from the drunk driver's perspective... However, I have a family member who got a DUI, and he was definitely an alcoholic and had not been caught before. When he went to court, my family members actually went in and asked the judge to throw the book @ him in order to try to help him. I have no idea if this is typical, but it happened.

ViSHa

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 7:06 a.m.

@whomever--just curious for anyone who has had family members/friends with multiple DUI's and suspended licenses--do these people just not accept family/friends offers to drive for them, get angry at the suggestion, etc...? do people look the other way when they know a familly member/friend is driving on a suspended license from multiple DUI's? i'm sure there are a lot of dynamics going on, i am honestly curious, not flaming.

Matt Cooper

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 3:05 a.m.

@Tonya: Just so you know, AA meetings are not 'classes'. There is no teacher and there are no grades to be assesed. Aside from that, we always want to blame the courts and judges for not being tough enough, or the car manufacturers for not making breathalyzers standard equipment, or this or that or any number of other factors. When do we stop blaming those entities and start placing total blame right where it belongs: On the guy who committed the act. This guy made a choice. He knew he wasn't supposed to be drinking and got drunk anyway. He knew he wasn't supposed to be driving but he did so anyway. And now, because of HIS choices a woman is dead and her children no longer have their mother. This guy is the one responsible for the choices he made. Nobody else. And he should pay a heavy price for those choices.

Julie

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:48 p.m.

I grew up in this area of Ypsilanti, and no matter how busy the intersection was is not the point here. Drinking and driving a vehicle was, obviously it is a problem for this person and has been for a number of years. I agree with many of you that a mother lost her life for someone else's poor choice, and left her two children without a mother. But also apparently left his children now without a father; but they will have the opportunity to re-unite with him at some point. Yes their will be disruption in their lives, as well as loss. But the other two children will never have that opportunity to go visit their mother on the weekends or look forward to a release date....she is forever gone and they live with loss forever. I do hope that the Judge who presides over this case does open his eyes and get this person the help he needs, and the punishment that is due. My prayers are with both families as you both are suffering for someone else being selfish.

Tonya

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:41 p.m.

I disagree Kathryn. My friend was ordered to madd meetings and alot of AA classes and she still drinks as much as always. She only did those meetings because she was court ordered to do so. The only thing she got out of it all was she does not drive drunk anymore. You have to want to stop drinking in order for those classes to work.

KathrynHahn

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:32 p.m.

This is a very sad story, and my heart goes out to both families. The unfortunate part of the outcome is that the driver won't receive help for an obvious drinking problem, just some jail time. Murder requires intent, and being drunk falls into the category of negligence. Most sentences for negligent homicide are 2 yrs max, often less. Alcohol education and treatment would be more beneficial, but anyone who's been around a good drunk knows the stubborn "I'm just fine" attitude that can come with it. Good luck to all involved.

win

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11 p.m.

this guy doesn't deserve to see the light of day again. this is just another sad case of our justice system failing our citizens. this idiot should have never been on the streets.

Tonya

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:46 p.m.

kentucky, it did post but it looks like it was removed. Your exactly right though. A friend of mine has 2 dui's on her record and all she got was a suspended license. Another friend of mine same thing, she lost her license for a minute but has them back now and she had to goto madd meatings and a ton of AA classes. I think she learned her lesson. I hope anyway. My cousins girlfriend was hit by a drunk driver the other night. They tried to run away but was followed by a witness and arrested but her car is totalled now. This is getting way too out of control!

MjC

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:13 p.m.

This is such a tragic story. Let's extend our deepest sympathies to all the family members involved in this terrible situation. Allow justice to be served in the court room, not in this blogger forum. Family and friends trying to deal with unimaginable heartache and pain are reading these posts. Once again, a tragedy that can't be undone serves as a reminder to everyone not to drink and drive - ever.

toofmullets

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:03 p.m.

@Are you serious? - The driver's driving record is posted on clickondetroit.com: http://www.clickondetroit.com/download/2010/1027/25537762.pdf. I respect you giving him the benefit of the doubt, but its far fetched. I live less than 1 mile from this intersection, and use it multiple times a day. I can't say that I've had the same experiences as the previous commenter regarding its danger. I'm a very defensive driver as is, but I will be even more defensive there now. My heart goes out to Stephanie's family; I am so very saddened by this. The thought that a ridiculously selfish act could cause this much pain and suffering to an innocent family sickens me.

emu2009

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:43 p.m.

I would like to know at what point the driver's name will be released. To Stephanie's mother, I am so sorry for your loss and for those grand babies of yours. I pray they have a speedy recovery for their bodies, as I know their hearts will take a long time to heal. Tragedies like this never make sense when they happen but it also times like this when you have to take solace in that there is a plan and a reason for everything.

Michael

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:26 p.m.

This is Stephanie Stones Mom and I can guarantee he will not walk from this! I have contacted M.A.D.D...They will be in the court... This guy is done. I will also sue to no end. Someone tagged that car and someone let him drive it! Shame on you. You will pay dearly in honor of my Grandchildren who no longer have a Momma!

clara

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 6:36 p.m.

I don't think I would call that running. It barely looked like walking away. Also, was that a State of Michigan car there?

bill s

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 6:33 p.m.

I drive through that intersection twice a day; once on the way to work, and then back. That crossroad is the most dangerous place on my 50 mile commute by leaps and bounds. First there is the east bound Ecorse traffic coming off I-94 at expressway speeds, then there is the local neighborhood drivers with their 60 IQ average turning left or crossing in front of you at the last minute so they can play their numbers in time, or get a 40 of Micky's.

christa

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 6:08 p.m.

this is very sad for all, hearts are broken for everyone involved in this tragic accident that shouldve never ocurred.i am the mother of riss whos father is the offender i just want everyone to rememberthat she is A CHILD and loves her daddy.i am not defending him but i will defend my children.and my heart goes out to all the children afffected by this and the young mother who lost her life may god watch over them all.

Are you serious?

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:45 p.m.

Unless I missed it there is nothing here about why this driver's license was suspended. One can be suspended for probably a dozen different reasons. Some are benign and have nothing to do with the ability to drive. Such suspensions include not paying a speeding ticket or being behind in child support payments. This driver may have indeed been suspended for something related to the prior DWI but until that is known there are a lot of people making assumptions here. The sad fact is that our society has not put a priority on drunk driving and until such time as it does these kinds of tragedies will continue. Given the commonly accepted statistic that on average a person stopped for drunk driving has driven in that condition probably somewhere between 50 - 100+ times it is no wonder that these kinds of things happen. It's actually pretty amazing that it does not happen more often.

stevek

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:30 p.m.

@Riss---very intelligent post. Do you know something we don't?

Linda

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:29 p.m.

Yes Riss is his daughter and she is my granddaughter, and only a young girl who is reading these comments about a father she loves and is hurting too. We are all very sorry for the loss of Stephanie and our deepest sympathies go out to her family and children.. No one is condoning what he did, she just loves her dad too, everyone is hurting over this tragic act. Please just pray for everyone involved, this is not easy for any of the families.

Agradable Amigo

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:20 p.m.

Absolute tragic story that happens all too often. We certainly have a lot to answer to in our culture which allows people never having to take responsibly for blatant irresponsible behavior. Our culture (political and legal system) fosters zero responsibility for any actions anymore (Im not even old). Come on elected people in the authority, how about showing some real concern for us and establish or enforce some real deterrents for heinous crimes commitment by hardwired irresponsible or simply bad peoplecommitted by multiple offense offenders? Throw the book at the alleged drunk driver, the next drunk driver, and the next drunk driveshame. Please think about issues like this when you/we vote next Tuesday no matter what side of the aisle you sit!

FoxviewFarm

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.

I think that Riss might be related to the accused. If so, I am very sorry for you and your loss, too. As many have said, this is a very difficult situation, and terribly sad. If he is your dad, I can imagine how hard this is for you, too. My heart goes out to all involved....

scooter dog

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 4:17 p.m.

@riss Tonights news 4 video of the wreck shows him running away and climbing over a wall. So as you say to others,Get your facts right before spouting off.

emu2009

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.

Now there is a cell phone video showing him trying to leave the scene of the accident. Check clickondetroit.com

Alex

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 3:44 p.m.

Riss we all watched him try to take off down the ally behind the bar on greenlawn. The cop stopped him. Many witnesses have told this. And I agree with Tonya, what does it matter? The fact is because of his decision, a family now has to suffer.

Tonya

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 3:39 p.m.

Riss, a mother is dead, her children in the hospital and all u can think to say is he didnt try to run?? Who cares if he did or didnt allthough thats what the papers and news is saying. You seem to be a friend or family member of his?? My brother wrecked into someone when he was drunk and luckily my brother was the only person hurt. I would NEVER defend the fact he drove drunk even though he is my brother!!

Riss

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 3:30 p.m.

First of all he did not try to run. HE COULDNT EVEN MOVE. People need to get their facts straight! Oh and no1 knows anything about his health! So get your FACTS RIGHT before you try to tell people facts.

Tonya

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 3:10 p.m.

I have been saying for a long time now that cars should have a built in breathalizer so everyone with or without any priors has to blow in it in order to start their car. That seems like the only way to stop drunk driving. If a person wants to drive with or without a license, drunk or sober, they are gonna drive. My prayers to the family and especially to the children...

cyndiocyndi

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 3:04 p.m.

I agree with ArgoC completely. Ann Arbor dot Com would do a big public service to highlight this story until the bitter end. I too am interested in how other communities deal with drunk drivers.

dmalmquist

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:36 p.m.

This is exactly why the death penality should be brought back. This guy does not deserve to live. He has multiple priors, and the fact he was driving suspected drunk while suspended resulting in death only means his life is not worth the Michigan tax payers spending thousands of dollars on his incarceration. This driver is the lowest form of life.

Chase Ingersoll

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:36 p.m.

ArgoC: I wonder if the technology is there to have every electronic ignition require the insertion of a valid, unsuspended license in addition to the key. The Libertarian in me would loath the thought, but the sober driver in me loves it.

Peter Eckstein

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:20 p.m.

The story says that the man has a prior conviction for drunk driving. I have no idea what punishment was entailed in that conviction or the name of the judge who issued the sentence. We elect (and automatically reelect) our judges but we have no information on what they are doing on the bench. I am not prejudging the judge, but I do hope there will be a followup on this driver's previous or judgesconviction or convictions so that we can all judge from the actual facts. What ever became of that old slogan, "Drunk Drivers Go To Jail!"?

Bob Needham

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:13 p.m.

(One comment removed because it contained an unsubstantiated accusation... and that's the only comment removed from this story so far. PaperTigerSaline and Gaila, were your comments possibly on a different story about this incident?)

Momma G

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:57 p.m.

Instead of handing out suspended licenses, why not impound the cars the drunks are driving. These people continue to drive illegally in their cars.

Gaila

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.

Yeah why have some of the comments been removed? I had a comment on here but now it's gone. The woman who got killed was a friend of mine, we lived in the same park and our daughters played together. Stephanie Holder Stone you will be missed R.I.P

Killroy

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:46 p.m.

Unbelievable. On suspended license?! He manages to survive, yet a mother of two is now gone forever? I sure hope he gets more then 5 years for committing this crime.

Lizzeh

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:39 p.m.

Ugh. That poor family. =[. I still have issues from when we were hit by a drunk diver when I was 6. I had fractured two of my vertebrae and had injuries to my kidney and liver. The drunk driver got 30 days in jail. :|

cinnabar7071

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.

Who owned the car or the plate that was on that car? Lets go after that person too. He had to have help to get behind the wheel.

uawisok

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:07 p.m.

Is there any way to find out which judges let folks like this get away with murder so that we can make informed decsions if they ever come up for re-election?

Jamie Weeder

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:57 p.m.

This makes my heart hurt. Goes to show, you never know how your world can change. Live every moment.

Cash

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.

EyeheartA2, I agree. I'd bet the farm it's a long sentence. Murder one or murder two...either way it is a long time in prison. No one will ever be the same. We have such a skewed view of drinking alcohol...the ads show the fun and joy of it all, and that sticks....but these incidents never really seem to stick to the casual observer. Especially as they sit around and drink during the game etc....after a couple it's all warm fuzzies and laughs.

ArgoC

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.

Two things I'd like Ann Arbor dot Com to do: 1) follow this story through to the sentencing; keep it in the news, and especially focus on whatever the lawyer tries to get this guy off and back on the street 2) do a feature article on (technical?) innovations regarding enforcing suspended licenses, who's doing it effectively and how, and whether those approaches are being considered here.

Stephen

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:42 p.m.

"Driving Intoxicated doesn't hurt anyone!" & "It was only 2 beers!" I hear this too much, this character is the poster child for stricter drunk driving laws. His license was suspended for a reason, oh yeah, maybe it was because he was charged and convicted of drunk driving before! Now an innocent person was killed, two children lost their mother because some knuckle-head decided after 1 conviction of driving drunk, drank & drove on a suspended license. Hey IDIOT! call a cab!

PittsfieldTwp

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:39 p.m.

My mother was involved in a bike/car accident that was the fault of a person also driving with a suspended license and no insurance. We need to figure something else out.

SemperFi

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.

This drunk has taken the life a woman. These children have been robbed of their mother. How can justice possibly be served?

Julius

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:27 p.m.

No way he should have even been driving. The technology is there, maybe we ought to have to swipe our driver's license to start the car. It's a slippery slope because it will also mean fees every time you do something wrong in the slightest way.

tommy_t

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:26 p.m.

1st degree felony charge - I wonder?? It could go to 2nd degree murder but probably not as juries are too risky on the max charges. Better go for the solid conviction. If it is plea bargained down to nothing - that would be another crime.

Ronn

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:25 p.m.

@scooter dog. sad part is that we're the ones that vote these judges in. have to do a background check of our own to see if the person we vote for is what he says he is. Yeep! your rite, he may go free but I see a reason to charge drunk ndriver with 1st degree murder when drinking /driver/ and some one dies even if its your own passemger.

Ronn

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.

I can see not taking a driver to jail with susspended driver lic. but ZERO tolerance for those that drive drunk with/without linc. I pray for the lost that family has to suffer. the driver should be charged with 1st degree murder because if you drink and then drive, you intend to hurt and kill someone as he did.

scooter dog

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:10 p.m.

The really sad part is he'll get a good lawyer and with the judges we have in this county will be back on the streets and driving again in short order.

newsperson

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:52 a.m.

very sad