Man Charged With Murder In Oakland County Crash That Killed Family Of 4: Prosecutor

HOLLY, MI — A Virginia man is facing murder charges in connection with a crash that killed a family of four in Oakland County last week.

The crash happened at 9:40 p.m. last Wednesday on Interstate 75 near Grange Hall Road in Holly, according to prosecutors.

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A couple, Zakeria Sharon Dodson, 23, and Tieree Powell, 24, and their two children, Nalani Powell, 3, and Karter Powell, 2, were killed in the crash, according to prosecutors.

Charles Dean Pace, 27, of Glen Allen, Virginia, was charged with four counts of second-degree murder and four counts of operating while intoxicated causing death.

He could spend the rest of his life in prison for second-degree murder. The operating while intoxicated causing death carries up to 15 years in prison.

The family of four was inside a disabled Chrysler 300, which was stopped off the side of the freeway when it was hit by a Ford F-250 truck, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said a drunken Pace was speeding in the truck, reaching up to 90 miles per hour while weaving in and out of lanes when he slammed into the car.

Investigators found Pace had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.

"Zakeria, Tieree, Nalani and Karter did not die in an accident," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "They were murdered because of this defendant’s alleged choices — to drive drunk, to drive fast and to drive recklessly — that created an obvious and unnecessary danger. This is a rare charge, but we believe we can show the most extreme indifference to human life."

Pontiac Mayor Mike McGuinness shared a GoFundMe link to raise money for funeral services, burial expenses and "other unforeseen financial obligations" resulting from the loss.

"News of this tragedy is hitting our community hard," McGuinness posted on Facebook. "And these beautiful young adults and their beautiful babies were kin to a number of our neighbors. You should not have to bear this pain and I am so, so profoundly sad that this fresh wound will be a scar on your hearts."

Family described the couple as loving, dedicated parents.

"Tieree was a devoted father whose greatest joy was spending time with his children," family members wrote on the page. "He worked hard to provide for his family and was known for his love, dedication, and unwavering commitment to those he cherished. Zakiera was a loving and nurturing mother who devoted her life to raising her beautiful children with compassion, strength, and unconditional love."

While a second-degree murder charge for vehicular homicide is rare, it is not unprecedented.

Angel Melendez-Ortiz, who killed two people while fleeing police by driving the wrong way on the Lodge freeway in January 2024, was convicted of second-degree murder.

He was sentenced to 74 years in prison in June 2025.

In Monroe County, Marshella Chidester was sentenced to 25-50 years in prison for second-degree murder in the drunk driving crash that killed two young children at the Swan Boat Club in April 2024.