Michigan Drunk Driving Tragedy Kills Two, Injures 14 in Family Crossing

A pregnant, heavily intoxicated Michigan woman collided with a large family crossing the street, resulting in two fatalities and 14 injuries before fleeing the scene.

A tragic incident unfolded in Michigan on Saturday evening, as a pregnant, heavily inebriated woman crashed into an extended family crossing the street, leaving two dead and 14 others injured. The heartbreaking event has left the community reeling in shock.

According to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, the suspect, Ashley Monroe, 35, has been charged with six counts of operating under the influence, two of operating while intoxicated causing death, and one count of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing death.

The horrific crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. in Watership Township, which lies just north of Lansing. Monroe's vehicle collided with the unsuspecting family, sending 14 victims to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Johnathan Esch, 30, and Daniel Harris, 42, succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

The injured victims ranged in age from 2 to 61 and were all related to each other. According to the Sheriff's Office, seven of the victims were children under the age of 8. One 38-year-old woman remained in critical condition as of Monday's arraignment, while the other victims' lives were not in immediate danger.

Deputies apprehended Monroe shortly after the crash, finding her with an almost-empty bottle of Crown Royal whiskey and two bottles of antidepressants in her purse. A blood test conducted in custody revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .183, more than twice the legal limit of .08.

Prosecutors argued for a bond of $500,000, arguing that Monroe posed a serious risk to the public. Her attorney, Ronald Zawacki, requested a lower bond, citing her ties to the community and her lack of a criminal record. However, District Court Judge Michael Clarizio set a cash/surety bond of $1 million, stating that the severity of the incident warranted the higher amount.

Monroe remains in custody at the Clinton County Jail awaiting her probable cause hearing scheduled for May 30. The tragedy has left the community devastated, casting a shadow over the Memorial Day weekend. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, seeking to determine the full extent of the tragedy that has befallen this grieving family.