DETROIT – The family of Dominique Buttrom is relieved after a judge denied a plea agreement for the man charged in the crash that resulted in his death.
According to prosecutors, Michael Moore was driving on a suspended license when he blew through a stop sign at 34 mph on Detroit’s west side and crashed into Dominque and his girlfriend, who were on a motorcycle.
The plea was denied on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
“The judge saw what I was trying to show the prosecutor,” said dad, Walter Buttrom. ”Two years for my son’s life? That’s just like a slap in the face.”
The prosecutor and defense attorney made the plea agreement, which included a minimum of two years behind bars.
The family was outraged by the agreement. Third Circuit Court Judge Mark Slavens had reservations of his own.
“What’s going to stop him, he doesn’t seem to care about the laws?” questioned Judge Slavens to the prosecutor. He went on to say “if he hadn’t been out driving, this man would be alive and the other person wouldn’t be injured.”
Judge Slavens rejected the plea agreement, and there was an audible sigh of relief in the courtroom.
Dominique’s girlfriend, who was badly injured in the crash, was also in court. His aunt, Carla Buttrom, who says she was devastated and in disbelief over the proposed plea agreement, is relieved that the case will now go to trial. “I just said ‘Thank you, Jesus,’ We have justice for Domonique.”
The family said it’s their understanding that Moore could face anywhere from 15-20 years behind bars, depending on the outcome of the trial.