Ex-Warren Officer Faces Manslaughter Charges As Trial Opens In Schoenherr Road Fatal Collision

DRCN News Desk | June 2, 2026

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. — Former Warren police officer James Burke is facing up to 15 years in prison as his felony criminal trial officially gets underway in Macomb County Circuit Court.

The charges follow a fatal crash that took place at approximately 5:00 a.m. on September 30, 2024, near the intersection of Schoenherr Road and Prospect Avenue. According to accident reconstruction data and dashcam evidence presented by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Burke was driving a marked Ford Explorer patrol vehicle at speeds topping 114 mph. He was traveling at 93.8 mph at the exact moment of impact.

Burke was responding to a “be on the lookout” call for a stolen vehicle but was not actively involved in a police pursuit. Crucially, investigators confirmed he failed to activate his emergency lights or sirens before broadsliding a white Dodge Durango.

The violent impact sent the SUV airborne for more than 50 feet, instantly killing the vehicle’s occupants, Cedric Hayden Jr., 34, and Dejuan Pettis, 33. Burke’s on-duty partner was also severely injured in the crash. Following an internal investigation, the Warren Police Department terminated Burke a few months later.

Core Legal Arguments

• The Prosecution: Prosecutors argue that Burke’s extreme speed on a regular local street without deploying audio or visual emergency warnings constitutes clear gross negligence.

• The Defense: Burke’s defense team is expected to deflect blame toward the victims, arguing that the Durango executed an improper left turn. They are also pointing to toxicological records indicating the driver of the SUV was operating the vehicle over the legal blood-alcohol limit.

Criminal Charges Facing Burke

Count 1 Homicide – Manslaughter with a Motor Vehicle (Victim: Cedric Hayden Jr.) Felony 15 years in prison

Count 2 Homicide – Manslaughter with a Motor Vehicle (Victim: Dejuan Pettis) Felony 15 years in prison

Count 3 Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment of Body Function (Partner’s injuries) Misdemeanor 93 days in jail

Count 4 Public Officers – Willful Neglect of Duty Misdemeanor 1 year in jail

Sources: The Detroit News, FOX 2 Detroit,  WDIV Local 4 ClickOnDetroit.

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