Teen's Reckless Speeding Habits Under Scrutiny After Fatal Crash in Detroit

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
31/08/2024 21h25

In a tragic incident that took place last November, a teenager lost his life in a high-speed crash in suburban Detroit. New evidence has since emerged, revealing that the young driver had been consistently engaging in dangerous driving behavior leading up to the accident, hitting speeds of nearly 140 miles per hour. The shocking video footage obtained by CBS News exposes the reckless driving pattern of the 16-year-old, shedding light on the potential responsibility of those close to him.

The crash claimed the life of the teenage driver's friend, Flynn, while the 16-year-old, Kiernan Tague, survived the ordeal. Law enforcement officials disclosed that Tague was operating the vehicle at over 100 mph on a residential street with a speed limit of 25 mph. As the investigation unfolded, troubling details emerged, pointing towards a concerning history of excessive speeding.

Investigators analyzing Tague's cell phone discovered numerous videos depicting instances of high-speed driving. These videos were corroborated by records from the Life 360 app, which Tague's mother used to monitor his car's location in the weeks leading up to the fatal crash. Shockingly, data revealed that during a 17-day period, approximately 25% of Tague's trips involved speeds surpassing 100 mph, with 10% exceeding 120 mph.

Evidence suggests that Tague's mother, Elizabeth Puleo-Tague, had expressed concerns about her son's driving habits in text messages. She warned him about the dangers, stating that "it scares me to my bone" and demanding that he "slow the f--- down right now!" However, critics argue that her actions should have gone beyond mere cautionary messages.

The grief-stricken parents of the deceased teenager, Flynn, believe that both Tague and his mother should face legal consequences for their roles in the tragedy. Thad MacKrell, Flynn's father, expressed his belief that "both of them should go to jail." While Tague has been charged with second-degree murder and is currently out on bail, the extent of his mother's potential liability remains to be seen.

Legal experts, including CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson, weigh in on the case, suggesting that Tague's mother may bear significant responsibility due to her awareness of his reckless driving habits. Levinson pointed out that Puleo-Tague had months of knowledge about her son's dangerous behavior and failed to take appropriate action to prevent it. Moreover, she provided him with a vehicle capable of attaining higher speeds, which further exacerbates the issue.

The comparison of this case to that of the Oxford, Michigan, school shooter Ethan Crumbley is notable. In Crumbley's case, both his parents were convicted for failing to secure the firearm used in the tragic incident. Anne and Thad, the parents of Flynn, draw parallels, citing the importance of holding individuals accountable when their actions contribute to such devastating outcomes.

As the legal proceedings continue, the heart-wrenching loss of a life serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of reckless driving. The evidence emerging in this case raises important questions about the responsibilities of parents in addressing and preventing dangerous behaviors in their children. The outcome of this trial could serve as a crucial precedent in holding individuals accountable for their role in enabling such devastating incidents.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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