Warren Officer Charged in Fatal Crash

Families of Cedric Hayden Jr. and DeJuan Pettis, who died in a crash involving Warren police officer James Burke, are demanding harsher charges after Burke was only charged with two counts of manslaughter and other lesser offenses. The crash occurred on September 30 when Burke, driving at nearly 94 mph without lights, collided with the victims' vehicle. Family members express outrage over Burke's release on a $100,000 personal bond and allege racial bias, suggesting that his status as a white police officer has afforded him preferential treatment. Attorney James Harrington, representing the families, criticized the charges as grossly inadequate, asserting that if a civilian had caused such a tragedy, they would face far stiffer penalties. The families are frustrated by the lack of communication from authorities and feel justice has not been served. They continue to seek accountability for the lives lost and answers regarding the incident.