Emmon Woods : Pair to stand trial for fatal crash in Sterling Heights

Two Young Men Facing First-Degree Felony-Murder Charges

Two young men, Angelo Rickey Smith II, 20, and Taiyon J.J. Jennings, 22, have been bound over on first-degree felony-murder charges for their alleged involvement in a fatal crash that took place in Sterling Heights. The incident occurred moments after they were reportedly part of a group that stole high-performance vehicles from a dealership in the Romeo area.

Preliminary Examination in 41A District Court

The pair will face these charges in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens following a 4-1/2 hour preliminary examination that took place on Monday in 41A District Court in Sterling Heights. During the examination, Judge Stephen Siewaski acknowledged that the prosecution’s case against the two men is not perfect due to various issues raised by their defense attorneys.

Details of the Fatal Crash

The fatal crash occurred on April 29, 2021, at 11 p.m. and tragically claimed the life of Emmon Woods, 20. Woods was driving a silver Malibu that was struck at approximately 76 mph by a Jeep Cherokee that had been stolen from the dealership. The Cherokee ran through a red light at the intersection of southbound Van Dyke Avenue and 15 Mile Road, resulting in the collision.

Stolen Vehicles and police Pursuit

According to Assistant Macomb Prosecutor Jeff Hall, the group of five men stole two Dodge Chargers, one Challenger, and the Cherokee from the Jim Riehl’s Friendly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Washington Township. Macomb Sheriff’s officials discovered the Cherokee traveling southbound on Van Dyke, prompting a response from Sterling Heights police officers.

Chase and Crash

Three Sterling Heights police officers attempted to stop the Cherokee, but the pursuit was called off due to the vehicle’s high speed. The Cherokee was estimated to be traveling at 100 mph, making it unsafe for the officers to continue the pursuit. Moments later, the fatal crash occurred at the intersection of 17 Mile and Van Dyke, resulting in the tragic loss of Emmon Woods.

Identification and DNA Evidence

Investigators later found DNA evidence of both Smith and Jennings inside the Cherokee. Surveillance video from the dealership raised the possibility that Jennings may have initially driven the vehicle out of the building, with Smith taking over the driving shortly after. However, defense attorneys argued that the evidence does not conclusively prove that Smith was the driver at the time of the crash.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

The pair are facing charges of felony murder and second-degree murder, with felony murder carrying a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. The case has been delayed in part due to mental evaluations of Smith, and both defendants are being held in lieu of $500,000 bonds. They are scheduled to appear for their circuit court arraignments next month.

Family Members in Attendance

During the court proceedings, both Smith and Jennings had several family members in attendance to support them. Their attorneys argued for lower bonds, citing their extended time in jail awaiting trial. The case will now proceed to Macomb County Circuit Court, where a jury will ultimately decide the fate of the two young men facing these serious charges.