Overview
- On Sept. 30, 2024, a Warren police cruiser driven by James Burke struck an SUV at Schoenherr and Prospect, killing Cedric Hayden Jr. and DeJuan Pettis.
- Prosecutors say testimony this week placed Burke’s cruiser at more than 114–115 mph with no lights or sirens active when the crash occurred.
- The defense argues Hayden Jr. was intoxicated with a .198 blood alcohol level and made an abrupt turn into traffic that caused the collision.
- Forensic testimony included a medical examiner saying the victims’ internal injuries were consistent with a high-speed crash and officers described department pursuit practices.
- Burke was fired in December 2024 and faces two counts of manslaughter plus related charges and the trial outcome could affect police pursuit rules and pending civil claims.