NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!
Michigan prosecutors say a 23-year-old driver told police he was under demonic control when he allegedly killed a girl and seriously injured another on Memorial Day weekend.
“Being even under ‘demonic control’ and that was the word I was using, and having demonic thoughts at the time,” the prosecutor said. “These are very disturbing facts that point to someone who is a danger to the community.”
Ghadir Saleh and his family were recent immigrants from war-torn Yemen and it was his first trip to Belle Isle Beach, Michigan, on Memorial Day.
Police say Alexander Armond Smith was driving through Belle Isle when he veered off the road and hit the beach, hitting two girls who were walking. Smith then walked away from the crash, but was quickly intercepted by police.
The two girls were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Ghadir Saleh died of his injuries, but his 14-year-old sister was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Smith was charged with manslaughter, failure to stop at the scene of the accident when he was guilty, reckless driving and leaving the scene of the incident. Police added that there may be more charges in the future as the investigation continues.
Smith’s driving record showed that his driver’s license was restricted at the time of the incident, and stipulated that he should only drive to certain locations such as work, home, treatment, or support groups.
Secretary of State records show Smith has an operating sentence while intoxicated since March 2022. Smith also admitted to having more than one bottle of wine when the incident occurred.
THE BOX OF LOADED HARMONES FOUND AT FLORIDA CHARTER SCHOOL IN PARKLAND BELONG TO THE DIRECTOR
Prosecutors say Smith told them he was under demonic control or had demonic thoughts when he beat the Saleh sisters.
“Can I explain myself, please,” Smith said during the hearing.
FOX2 Detroit reported that Smith spoke several times during the proceedings, however, the judge ruled that he was detained in jail, meaning he received no bail.
“Although I understand from the investigator’s report that the mother has said that there have been no mental health problems, and the counselor understands that no mental health problems have been diagnosed, (but) the “This investigator is causing a lot of concern,” the judge said. .
GEORGIA TEENAGER THREATENS TO KILL SHERIFIER FOR DETENTION OF RPER JOVE THUG
Defense attorney Brandon Kizy said Smith has the support of his father and family while living with his mother.
“The public is protected, it’s not an active threat to society, your honor,” Kizy said. “And he’s not a very dangerous person, he’s not aggressive or anything like that.”
“We think it’s absolutely a danger to the community,” prosecutors argued.
On Friday, several hundred people gathered at Lowery Middle School in Dearborn, Michigan, to remember Ghadir Saleh.
Despite being a member of the community for a few months, Ghadir, whose family recently emigrated from war-torn Yemen, had a lasting impact on his classmates and teachers.
“It’s a tragic fact, we have to support the family and show how much we care,” a schoolteacher told Fox 2. are I was very happy to be here.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Ghadir dreamed of becoming a lawyer one day.
Smith will remain in jail until his next court date on June 14. It is scheduled for a conference of probable cause. A preliminary examination is scheduled for June 21.