MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A Sterling Heights man already charged with reckless driving and fleeing police in a crash that killed two people is now facing two counts of second-degree murder, officials said.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office announced the upgraded charges Tuesday against 54-year-old Keith Blackwell, citing a review of additional evidence in the March 14 crash on Gratiot Avenue.
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Charges
Second-degree murder is a felony punishable by life in prison or any term of years. The two new counts come on top of charges Blackwell already faces: two counts of first-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer and two counts of reckless driving causing death (all 15-year felonies).
Blackwell was arraigned on the murder charges on Monday, April 27.
After hearing arguments from Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Natalie Sullivan, Judge Sebastian Lucido raised Blackwell’s bond from $100,000 to $200,000 cash or surety only, no 10%, according to the release. He also must wear a steel-cuff tether if he is released.
How the crash happened
Clinton Township police spotted Blackwell speeding south on Gratiot Avenue near Quinn Road on March 14, 2026. Officers activated emergency lights and sirens to pull him over, but Blackwell kept driving at high speeds.
His 2002 Jeep Cherokee reached speeds exceeding 100 mph before slamming into a white Volvo S60 traveling east on 14 Mile Road at the intersection of Gratiot Avenue.
The two men inside the Volvo, 23-year-old Richard Talley and 24-year-old Joshua Jones, were killed, and Blackwell was hospitalized.
“There is simply no excuse for failing to stop for law enforcement,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. “The Michigan legislature needs to finalize legislation to impose mandatory prison time for those who flee law enforcement, thereby endangering the public. We have seen too many lives lost.”
Separate case
Blackwell is also now facing charges in an unrelated case.
The day before the crash, on Friday, March 13, 2026, Blackwell allegedly entered the home of a woman in Mount Clemens without permission.
He was arraigned on charges of third-degree home invasion and aggravated stalking, both five-year felonies.
Bond in that case was set at $50,000 cash or surety only, with no 10-percent option. A judge ordered Blackwell to have no contact with the woman (directly, indirectly, or through social media) and to wear a steel-cuff tether before any release.
He is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on June 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.