A Virginia man has been charged with multiple felony offenses after authorities said he caused a deadly drunk driving crash in Michigan that killed an entire family of four. Prosecutors allege the suspect was heavily intoxicated and driving at extremely high speeds when the collision occurred on Interstate 75 in Oakland County.
Driver Faces Multiple Murder and DUI Charges
According to investigators, 27-year-old Charles Dean Pace of Glen Allen, Virginia, has been charged with four counts of second-degree murder along with four counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death.
Officials said the crash happened on the evening of July 1 along southbound Interstate 75 near East Holly Road. Prosecutors allege Pace was driving a Ford F-250 pickup truck at speeds exceeding 90 mph while weaving through traffic before crashing into a disabled Chrysler 300 that was stopped along the roadside.
Authorities also stated that Pace’s blood alcohol concentration was reportedly more than three times the legal limit at the time of the crash.
Parents and Two Young Children Killed
The victims were identified as:
- Zakeria Sharon Dodson, 23
- Tieree Powell, 24
- Nalani, 3
- Karter, 2
The impact claimed the lives of all four family members.
Prosecutors described the incident as a preventable tragedy, arguing that the driver’s alleged reckless decisions and extreme intoxication justified second-degree murder charges rather than lesser offenses. Pace has since appeared in court, where a judge denied bond, and he remains in custody while the case moves forward.
Community Mourns Family as Investigation Continues
The devastating crash has left relatives and community members grieving the loss of the young family. An online fundraising campaign has also been created to assist with funeral expenses and provide support to loved ones affected by the tragedy.
Michigan State Police continue to investigate the collision as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the criminal case.
