Day before trial, Warren hit-and-run driver pleads no contest in death of missing boy with autism

WARREN, Mich. – A 46-year-old Warren man accused of killing a 14-year-old boy with autism in a 2023 hit-and-run has pleaded no contest to all charges against him.

According to authorities, Justin Spangle was driving his car in Roseville on Aug. 18, 2023, when he struck the boy near the border with Warren.

The boy had been reported missing just hours before he was hit and died at the scene.

Spangle was arrested four days later after police tracked down the vehicle.

Charges, evidence tampering allegations

In January 2024, Spangle was charged with driving while license suspended causing death, tampering with evidence, failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Prosecutors said Spangle had replaced his car’s cracked windshield shortly after the crash.

No-contest plea entered day before trial

On Tuesday, May 5 -- the day before his jury trial was scheduled to begin -- Spangle pleaded no contest to all three charges. His defense requested he be sentenced to 36 to 71 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Spangle is scheduled to be sentenced June 23.