Police: Woman Took Blame In Fatal Crash For Drinking Fiancé
DEERFIELD TWP. (WWJ) - Police say they made an arrest in a fatal hit and run accident after the suspect's fiancé lied about who was driving the vehicle.
Livingston County Sheriff's Deputies on Thursday arrested a 27-year-old man from Fowlerville on charges of leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash which occurred on Oct. 30 in Deerfield Township on Center Road near Mack Road.
Deputies are also seeking charges against the suspect's 27-year-old fiancé, who had initially told investigators she was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash. Investigators say the woman led them to believe she was responsible because her fiancé had been drinking and was on parole.
Police say 47-year-old Jeffrey Westphal and 33-year-old Lisa Vail, both Howell residents, were walking on Center Road around 3:30 a.m. when they were struck by a Ford F250. The driver failed to stop at the scene after the crash and the suspect vehicle was later located unoccupied at Argentine Road near Golf Club Road in Oceola Township. Westphal died from his injuries and Vail was hospitalized.
The man's name is being withheld until he is arraigned. Charges are also being sought against the female for filing a false police report.
An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
