Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido’s office announced that Travion Smith, an 18-year-old Detroit man, was sentenced to 25-50 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder and other charges for killing a 31-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn child while also paralyzing her husband and injuring their 2-year-old son in a traffic crash while fleeing police.
On Tuesday, August 26, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge James Biernat, Jr. sentenced Smith on five counts related to the August 2023 accident. He was sentenced as follows with all counts to be served concurrently:
• Murder - Second-Degree, 25 – 50 years
• Pregnant Individual - Grossly Negligent Act Causing Miscarriage, 6-15 years
• Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function, 2-5 years
• Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function, 2-5 years
• Police Officer Flee and Elude First-Degree, 6-15 years
On August 12, 2023, at 9:30 p.m., Smith was driving a Chevy Equinox traveling northbound on Van Dyke Avenue at 15 Mile Road. Police attempted a traffic stop on Smith, who was 16 years old at the time.
Rather than simply stop, Smith fled the police, recklessly driving up to 93 mph. Smith ran the red light at 16 Mile and Van Dyke and hit the car driven by Norman Gumma with his pregnant wife, Faith, and their 2-year-old son. Faith and her unborn child were pronounced dead at the scene, while Norman remains paralyzed. Their son has recovered from his injuries. Smith was unharmed in the accident.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message: when you choose to run from the police, you will walk to a jail. This young adult’s reckless flight cost a pregnant woman and her unborn child their lives, left her husband paralyzed, and forever changed a young child’s future. Nothing can undo that pain, but this sentence brings accountability and justice for the victims and their loved ones. We hope this case reminds everyone that fleeing law enforcement is never worth the risk. One reckless decision can shatter countless lives,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido after the sentence.
Lucido is actively calling on Michigan lawmakers to come together in support of strong, bipartisan legislation to address the growing public safety threat of drivers who refuse to stop for law enforcement.
The Michigan House is now taking up a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police.
“This tragedy is yet another reminder that fleeing and eluding is not just dangerous—it is deadly. The second a driver decides not to stop for police and hits the gas instead of the brake, they have committed a serious crime, and they must face swift and severe punishment. Our community cannot tolerate this behavior,” Prosecutor Lucido said. “We need statutory enhancement of consequences including mandatory prison time. The people of Michigan deserve to be protected.”
On Tuesday, August 26, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge James Biernat, Jr. sentenced Smith on five counts related to the August 2023 accident. He was sentenced as follows with all counts to be served concurrently:
• Murder - Second-Degree, 25 – 50 years
• Pregnant Individual - Grossly Negligent Act Causing Miscarriage, 6-15 years
• Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function, 2-5 years
• Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function, 2-5 years
• Police Officer Flee and Elude First-Degree, 6-15 years
On August 12, 2023, at 9:30 p.m., Smith was driving a Chevy Equinox traveling northbound on Van Dyke Avenue at 15 Mile Road. Police attempted a traffic stop on Smith, who was 16 years old at the time.
Rather than simply stop, Smith fled the police, recklessly driving up to 93 mph. Smith ran the red light at 16 Mile and Van Dyke and hit the car driven by Norman Gumma with his pregnant wife, Faith, and their 2-year-old son. Faith and her unborn child were pronounced dead at the scene, while Norman remains paralyzed. Their son has recovered from his injuries. Smith was unharmed in the accident.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message: when you choose to run from the police, you will walk to a jail. This young adult’s reckless flight cost a pregnant woman and her unborn child their lives, left her husband paralyzed, and forever changed a young child’s future. Nothing can undo that pain, but this sentence brings accountability and justice for the victims and their loved ones. We hope this case reminds everyone that fleeing law enforcement is never worth the risk. One reckless decision can shatter countless lives,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido after the sentence.
Lucido is actively calling on Michigan lawmakers to come together in support of strong, bipartisan legislation to address the growing public safety threat of drivers who refuse to stop for law enforcement.
The Michigan House is now taking up a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police.
“This tragedy is yet another reminder that fleeing and eluding is not just dangerous—it is deadly. The second a driver decides not to stop for police and hits the gas instead of the brake, they have committed a serious crime, and they must face swift and severe punishment. Our community cannot tolerate this behavior,” Prosecutor Lucido said. “We need statutory enhancement of consequences including mandatory prison time. The people of Michigan deserve to be protected.”
