GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. – A teen driver is scheduled to be sentenced for manslaughter for a deadly crash in Grosse Pointe Farms in November 2023.
A teen passenger in the vehicle was killed in the crash.
The driver, who is still a juvenile, has not been identified by authorities and may be identified during sentencing.
Related: Grosse Pointe teen’s deadly crash raises parental responsibility questions
Background
Flynn Michael MacKrell, 18, of Grosse Pointe, returned home for Thanksgiving break during his freshman year at the University of Dayton. His parents said he was picked up by a 16-year-old friend who was driving his mother’s white 2021 BMW X3. They were going to surprise another friend in Grosse Pointe Farms.
Officials said the two met with their friend for about three minutes and then left his house just after 9 p.m.
Afterward, the driver sped over 100 mph while heading southwest on a 25 mph stretch of Ridge Road.
Witnesses said the driver lost control of the vehicle, struck a utility pole, went airborne and hit a tree near the intersection of Ridge and Moran roads.
The driver survived the crash, but MacKrell died at the scene. He had to be extracted from the wreck by first responders.
MacKrell’s family wanted the driver’s mother to face charges, alleging inaction and negligence on her part regarding her son’s driving behavior, but the prosecutor’s office did not believe her actions played a role in the crash.
Related: Why mother of driver in 105 mph crash that killed Grosse Pointe teen won’t face charges
Arrest and murder charge for driver
Wayne County prosecutors announced on March 20, 2024, that they were charging the driver with second-degree murder.
His second-degree murder charge was given an adult designation, meaning if he was convicted, the judge would have the ability to sentence him as a juvenile, as an adult, or as a juvenile with the option to impose an adult sentence if he’s not rehabilitated.
A trial was supposed to begin in February 2025, when the teen driver -- now 17 years old -- pleaded guilty to manslaughter with an adult designation. All other charges have been dismissed.
The driver is scheduled to be sentenced June 13. If sentenced as an adult, he faces up to 15 years behind bars.