WARREN, Mich. – Warren police officer James Edward Burke, who was involved in a deadly crash that killed two men, made a quick court appearance, and emotions were running high as the victims’ families continued to seek justice.
Burke is accused of speeding in his police vehicle without using lights or sirens, which led to the tragic deaths of best friends Cedric Hayden, Jr. and Dejuan Pettis.
Burke faces charges, including two counts of manslaughter.
Outside the courtroom Thursday (March 6), the families of the victims protested and demanded even more serious charges as their lawyer thought Burke was undercharged.
“This man goes home to his family every day,” said Cedric Hayden, Sr. “He gets to hold his family. I don’t get to hold my son. I hold his memories, but I can’t hold my son. This man is going home every day. He’s going home today again and that’s not right.”
Their lawyer believes Burke should be facing second-degree murder charges.
The next court date is set for May 1, 2025.
---> Warren officer charged with manslaughter in crash that killed 2 men
---> Everything we know: New video shows Warren crash that left 2 men dead, injured police officers
