Charges amended for suspected drunken driver in Sumpter Twp. after 12-year-old girl dies

Cahill had 12 prior DUI convictions

SUMPTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Charges have been amended in the case against a suspected drunken driver who crashed into a family’s van Wednesday, ultimately killing a 12-year-old girl.

Charles James Cahill, 49, is charged with second-degree murder, operating with a high BAC causing death, operating with a suspended license causing death and a misdemeanor count for open alcohol container in a vehicle.

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According to Sumpter Township Police, Cahill was traveling northbound on Martinsville Road at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended a minivan carrying five passengers. In the third-row seat of the van was 12-year-old Victoria Mack.

Victoria was critically injured in the crash. Sumpter Township Fire Department crews cut her from the seat and she was flown to Mott Children’s Hospital. She was placed on life support and died Sunday.

Police said Cahill tested almost three times the legal alcohol limit at the time of the crash. Further investigations show Cahill had 12 prior drunken driving convictions and his license was revoked by the Secretary of State's Office in 1990.

Cahill is expected to be arraigned Aug. 10.