PONTIAC, Mich. – A 20-year-old from Commerce Township has pled no contest for his involvement in a hit-and-run that killed a 13-year-old girl in Walled Lake.
On March 22, 2023, a different teen was reportedly fleeing from police when they collided with two other vehicles at the intersection of West Maple and Decker roads. That collision set off a series of collisions with three other cars involved.
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According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, the driver of the Jeep was traveling at 98 mph and drove through multiple red lights leading up to the multiple-vehicle crash. A passenger in the jeep, identified as Gavin Kassab, who was 19 years old at the time, reportedly recorded and streamed the police chase live on social media before the crash.
The crash seriously injured Erica Carrothers, who was driving her two daughters, ages 13 and 10, home from skating practice when the Jeep struck them. The 13-year-old, identified as Piper Carrothers, was taken to the hospital where she died from her injuries. The 10-year-old girl was ejected from the vehicle and sustained significant head and neck injuries, the family said.
Three others were injured from the crash and were released from the hospital that night.
More: Parents discuss crash that killed daughter on way home from skating practice in Walled Lake
Both the driver and Kassab fled the scene of the crash on foot, leaving the vehicle behind. The driver was said to be operating the Jeep without a license.
In May 2023, Kassab was charged with one count of first-degree fleeing and eluding police causing death, two counts of second-degree fleeing and eluding police, one count of manslaughter and reckless driving causing death.
The driver, who was 15 years old at the time, was charged with one count of first-degree fleeing and eluding police causing death, and two counts of second-degree fleeing and eluding police, failure to stop at the scene of a personal injury accident, one count of manslaughter and reckless driving causing death. Authorities have not released many details regarding his case since he is a juvenile.
Kassab pled no contest on Monday, April 8 for his role in the hit-and-run. A no contest plea does not admit guilt, but that the defendant won’t contest the accusations. He is expected to be sentenced May 21.
Shortly after being charged in the hit-and-run in May 2023, Kassab was charged with 10 felonies involving sexual acts with a minor, including aggravated child sexually abusive activity and associated computer crimes. Days before the fatal hit-and-run, police said they had searched his home and seized his phones and computers as part of an investigation. The prosecutor said he convinced a minor into a sexual act on video that he later shared. A judge increased his bond to a combined $1.5 million, stating he was “absolutely, completely out of control” and “a danger to society.”
Kassab is expected to return to court for the sexual assault case this month.
