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Driver charged in crash that killed 32-year-old woman in Canton Township

Belleville woman’s car struck head-on by intoxicated driver, police say

Maurice Griffin (Canton Public Safety Department)

CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A driver has been charged in a crash that killed a 32-year-old woman in Canton Township.

The crash happened at 12:20 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024, in the area of Michigan Avenue and Lilley Road in Canton Township.

Officials said Desiree Jones, 32, of Belleville, was driving a white Chevrolet Malibu west on Michigan Avenue when she was struck head-on by a red GMC Acadia.

Jones was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.

Maurice Griffin, 37, of Ypsilanti, was identified as the driver of the Acadia, police said. He was treated at a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Griffin was arraigned Saturday at 36th District Court on the following charges:

  • Second-degree murder -- a felony with a maximum penalty of life in prison.
  • Operating with a high blood-alcohol content causing death with a prior conviction -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
  • Reckless driving causing death -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
  • Operating with a suspended, revoked, or denied license causing death -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
  • Operating while intoxicated, third offense -- a felony with a penalty of 1-5 years in prison.

Griffin was given a $1 million cash bond.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for June 21 at 35th District Court, and a preliminary examination is scheduled for June 28.

Click here to visit the GoFundMe page for Jones’ family.


About the Author
Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Digital Executive Producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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