Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Jack Robb, 20, of Macomb Township, was sentenced today after being convicted of Second-Degree Murder. On May 1, a Macomb County jury found Robb guilty as charged of Homicide – Murder – Second Degree, a felony punishable by any term of years up to life imprisonment.
On Thursday, June 25, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer M. Faunce sentenced Robb to serve 120 months to 600 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections with credit for 86 days. Robb was also ordered to pay $11,863.93 restitution. The court sentenced Robb below the minimum sentencing guidelines of 162-270 months. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Stone represented the people at the sentencing.
The charges stem from a fatal drunk driving crash that occurred near 2 a.m. on January 7, 2024, in Shelby Township. Robb, who was 17 years old, was traveling north on Hayes Road in a Dodge Ram pickup. He was driving approximately 86 miles per hour when he disregarded a red light and broadsided the Honda Civic of 26-year-old Austin Southwell, who was traveling west on 21 Mile Road. Southwell was killed. It was established that Robb drank alcohol and smoked marijuana prior to the crash.
“Today’s sentence reflects the devastating consequences of a choice that never should have been made. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts every life on the road at risk, and in this case, it resulted in the tragic death of a young man with his entire future ahead of him,” said Lucido.
"While no sentence can undo the pain caused by Austin Southwell’s death, I hope this outcome provides his family and loved ones with a measure of justice and closure. This case should serve as a powerful reminder that impaired driving is not an accident—it is a preventable and dangerous decision that can change lives forever.”
On Thursday, June 25, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer M. Faunce sentenced Robb to serve 120 months to 600 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections with credit for 86 days. Robb was also ordered to pay $11,863.93 restitution. The court sentenced Robb below the minimum sentencing guidelines of 162-270 months. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Stone represented the people at the sentencing.
The charges stem from a fatal drunk driving crash that occurred near 2 a.m. on January 7, 2024, in Shelby Township. Robb, who was 17 years old, was traveling north on Hayes Road in a Dodge Ram pickup. He was driving approximately 86 miles per hour when he disregarded a red light and broadsided the Honda Civic of 26-year-old Austin Southwell, who was traveling west on 21 Mile Road. Southwell was killed. It was established that Robb drank alcohol and smoked marijuana prior to the crash.
“Today’s sentence reflects the devastating consequences of a choice that never should have been made. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts every life on the road at risk, and in this case, it resulted in the tragic death of a young man with his entire future ahead of him,” said Lucido.
"While no sentence can undo the pain caused by Austin Southwell’s death, I hope this outcome provides his family and loved ones with a measure of justice and closure. This case should serve as a powerful reminder that impaired driving is not an accident—it is a preventable and dangerous decision that can change lives forever.”
