DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced charges against 17-year-old Jhanya Burton in connection to the deadly hit-and-run of a 13-year-old girl on Aug. 31.
Burton, who was 16 at the time of the incident, could be sentenced as a juvenile, as an adult, or a combination sentence of both if convicted, according to a release. The decision is up to a judge.
Police say on Aug. 31, just after 11 p.m., officers went to the area of Bradford Avenue and East McNichols Road in response to a car crash. When police arrived, medics were treating several individuals who were eventually transported to a local hospital.
According to the report, Burton was driving a vehicle with six passengers ages 16, 20, 15, 20, 14 and 13.
Burton was allegedly speeding when she hit a tree and the 13-year-old passenger was ejected from the vehicle. Police say Burton then fled the scene on foot, but later turned herself in to police at Detroit's 7th Precinct.
Burton has been charged as an adult designated juvenile with second-degree murder, operating while license is suspended, revoked or denied and causing death and five counts of operating while license is suspended causing serious injury.
The defendant is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center awaiting her next court date.
