‘You took everything from me’: Family speaks as suspected drunk driver denied bond in Oakland County

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The man accused of killing a Pontiac family of four in a suspected drunk driving crash will remain in jail after a judge denied his bond Tuesday morning.

Charles Pace, 27, is charged with four counts of second-degree murder and four counts of operating while intoxicated causing death.

Investigators said his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit and that he was weaving in and out of lanes at more than 90 mph before the crash.

Michigan State Police said a mother, father and their two young children were stopped on the southbound shoulder of I-75 near Grange Hall Road last Wednesday when Pace’s vehicle slammed into their car.

All four family members died at the scene.

In court, relatives identified one of the victims as Tieree Powell.

Her brother, Devrionta Powell, told the court and reporters that the crash came just months after the family lost their mother.

“First off, you took like everything from me. Our mother just passed away recently,” Devrionta Powell said after court Tuesday.

He’s the brother of Tieree Powell, who died in the crash. Tieree’s girlfriend, Zakiera, and their two young children died in the crash.

Devrionta wore a shirt that read, “Drinking and Driving Doesn’t Just Shatter Lives, It Shatters Families.”

And though Devrionta lost his family, he said he forgives Pace.

“I want to hear him out. People make stupid mistakes,” Devrionta said. They really do.” He added that while he considers Pace’s actions a terrible mistake, he still wants accountability. “I believe you should be held accountable.”

In court, officials also noted Pace’s history of substance abuse treatment.

According to Virginia court records, Pace pleaded guilty to a driving while intoxicated charge in 2020 and was sentenced to a year of probation.

Records also show an improper driving case in 2022 and a speeding citation that year for driving 20 mph over the speed limit.

Pace’s attorney said he voluntarily entered rehab in 2020.

Community members who attended Tuesday’s hearing described how hurt they are from this loss. Family members said Tieree Powell leaves behind another son from a previous relationship.

Pace is expected to return to court later this month.