Entire family of 4, including 2 toddlers, killed when suspected drunken driver slams into vehicle

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WILX/Gray News) — An entire family of four, including two toddlers, was killed in a crash involving an alleged drunken driver in Michigan.

The deadly crash happened on I-75 at around 9 p.m. on July 1.

Prosecutors allege Charles Pace, 27, was speeding at more than 90 mph and “weaving in and out of lanes” in a Ford F-250 when he hit a Chrysler 300 that was pulled over on the side of the freeway.

All four occupants inside — 23-year-old Zakeroa Dodson, 24-year-old Tieree Powell and their children, 3-year-old Nalani and 2-year-old Karter, — were killed.

Michigan State Police investigators said Pace had a blood alcohol content of more than three times the legal limit.

“This is very devastating for my family, as we just lost our mother recently,” Tieree Powell’s brother, Devrionta Powell, said in a statement to WDIV. “My brother and his kids and girlfriend were the most kind-hearted people I knew.”

Devrionta Powell said his brother had stopped to change a flat tire when their vehicle was struck.

A GoFundMe page said the family was returning home from a fun day of swimming.

“What should have been a day filled with family fun and cherished memories ended in an unimaginable tragedy that has forever changed the lives of everyone who loved them,” the page read.

Pace, who is from Virginia, was in Michigan for work at the time of the crash.

Pace was arraigned Tuesday on multiple charges, including four counts of second-degree murder. He was denied bond because of the severity of the charges and his lack of ties to the state.

His next court date is scheduled for July 14.