Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Thursday, following a jury trial, 30-year-old James Burke, a former Warren police officer, was found not guilty on all charges, including two counts of manslaughter, by a Macomb County jury. The charges stem from a September 2024 car crash that resulted in the deaths of two men and severe injuries to his former partner.
"We respect the jury's verdict and thank the jurors for their service," said Lucido. "Our office pursued this case based on the evidence and presented the facts for the jury's consideration. While the jury reached a different conclusion than the prosecution advocated, we remain committed to seeking justice on behalf of victims and their families. We are mindful of the profound loss suffered in this case and extend our continued thoughts and support to those affected."
On Thursday, June 11, Burke was found not guilty of the following charges:
• Homicide – Manslaughter with Motor Vehicle, a 15-year-felony
• Homicide – Manslaughter with Motor Vehicle, a 15-year-felony
• Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function, a 93-day misdemeanor
• Public Officers – Willful Neglect of Duty, a 1-year misdemeanor.
According to evidence presented from law enforcement at trial, on September 30, 2024, Burke was operating his patrol vehicle at a high rate of speed without emergency lights or siren activated when it crashed with another vehicle. Burke's partner was injured in the crash, and 34-year-old Cedric Hayden Jr. and 33-year-old Dejuan Pettis were killed.
"We respect the jury's verdict and thank the jurors for their service," said Lucido. "Our office pursued this case based on the evidence and presented the facts for the jury's consideration. While the jury reached a different conclusion than the prosecution advocated, we remain committed to seeking justice on behalf of victims and their families. We are mindful of the profound loss suffered in this case and extend our continued thoughts and support to those affected."
On Thursday, June 11, Burke was found not guilty of the following charges:
• Homicide – Manslaughter with Motor Vehicle, a 15-year-felony
• Homicide – Manslaughter with Motor Vehicle, a 15-year-felony
• Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function, a 93-day misdemeanor
• Public Officers – Willful Neglect of Duty, a 1-year misdemeanor.
According to evidence presented from law enforcement at trial, on September 30, 2024, Burke was operating his patrol vehicle at a high rate of speed without emergency lights or siren activated when it crashed with another vehicle. Burke's partner was injured in the crash, and 34-year-old Cedric Hayden Jr. and 33-year-old Dejuan Pettis were killed.
