Travis Turner, 27, of Roseville entered the no-contest plea Thursday in the case stemming from the April 9 crash on Groesbeck Highway. Turner was charged with operating while intoxicated causing death and possessing a firearm while under the influence.
The plea comes several months after Turner was ordered to stand trial in the case. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 4.
According to prosecutors, Turner was driving a 2016 Ford Fusion at a high rate of speed when it struck a 2006 Saturn Ion on Groesbeck Highway. The Saturn was driven by Eleanor Johnson, 85, of Oak Park. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Turner suffered minor injuries in the crash. His passenger, who prosecutors previously identified as his girlfriend, was also injured.
Prosecutors have alleged that Turner’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit when the crash occurred. They also alleged that he had a firearm with him while under the influence.
Plea could lead to prison sentence
The no-contest plea was accepted under a Cobbs agreement, a Michigan court arrangement in which a judge indicates a potential sentence that the defendant can consider before entering a guilty or no-contest plea.
Under the agreement, prosecutors said Turner could withdraw his plea if the judge ultimately does not impose a sentence consistent with the agreement.
The tentative minimum sentencing guideline range is 29 to 57 months in prison, according to prosecutors. The final sentence will be determined at Turner’s November hearing.
Turner’s case had previously moved toward trial. Following preliminary examination hearings in April and May, he was bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court on the two charges.
At that stage, the operating-while-intoxicated charge was classified as a 15-year felony, while the firearm charge was a misdemeanor carrying a maximum 93-day penalty.
Firefighter was off duty at time of crash
Turner was off duty and driving his personal vehicle when the crash occurred. The Detroit Fire Department said after the incident that Turner had been placed on leave without pay while the investigation was pending.
The department also said the crash occurred outside Detroit and that it was cooperating with the investigation.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said the case illustrates the consequences that can follow when someone drives after drinking and expressed sympathy for Johnson’s family.
Johnson’s death occurred at the scene of the April crash, and the case has since moved through several stages in Macomb County courts before reaching Thursday’s plea.
Turner is expected back in court Nov. 4 for sentencing.
