Justice Sought: Men Arrested After Tragic Fatal Hit-and-Run on Detroit's East Side

Tragedy struck Detroit's east side on the evening of September 26, 2025, when a devastating hit-and-run crash claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman. The horrific incident, which unfolded around 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Gratiot Avenue and Hoyt Street, has since led to the arrest and charging of two men connected to the fatal collision.

According to authorities, a 23-year-old man, later identified as Jamison Kelly, was behind the wheel of a 2017 Dodge Challenger when he reportedly collided at high speed with a 2018 Toyota Camry.

The impact was catastrophic, leaving the Detroit woman driving the Camry with fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene, her life tragically cut short by the reckless actions of others.

In a callous act, both Kelly and his 20-year-old passenger, Deontae Howard, allegedly fled the wreckage on foot, abandoning the severely injured woman and the scene of the crash.

Their escape was short-lived, however, as diligent police work led to their apprehension the very next day.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has since announced significant charges against both individuals. Jamison Kelly faces a felony count of failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death, alongside an additional charge of operating a motor vehicle without a license causing death.

Deontae Howard, the passenger, has also been charged with a felony count of failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death, for his alleged complicity in fleeing the tragedy.

Both men were arraigned and assigned substantial bonds of $500,000 each, signaling the gravity of the charges they face.

The community and the victim's loved ones now await further legal proceedings, with a preliminary examination scheduled for October 9, 2025. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of irresponsible driving and the moral imperative to remain at the scene of an accident.