SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN: Veterinary student Mia Kanu was found dead after she jumped from a moving jeep on Providence Drive in Southfield, about 15 miles northwest of Detroit, Michigan.
On Tuesday, September 19, prosecutors in Oakland County shared that the driver of the vehicle, Kentia Monique Fearn, has been arrested.
The 23-year-old reportedly fled the scene instead of stopping, according to authorities.
“The law requires anyone involved in an accident to stop and immediately report the accident to authorities,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.
“Leaving the scene when someone is seriously injured or dies is a felony. My office will hold those who do so accountable," McDonald said.
What charges does Kentia Monique Fearn face?
As per the criminal complaint, the first charge against her is ‘failure to stop at the scene of an accident, resulting in serious impairment or death.’ The second charge against the driver is ‘operating while intoxicated.’
According to authorities, she had alcohol in her system while driving a 2022 Jeep Compass, reports Law and Crime.
“… being the driver of 2022 Jeep Compass, who knew or had reason to believe that he/she had been involved in an accident upon Providence Drive, property open to travel by the public, did fail to immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident,” read the court document.
It further states, “...and remain there until she had complied with the requirements of MCL 257.619, and the accident resulted in serious impairment of a body function or death of Mia Kanu; Contrary to the statute in such case made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the People of the State of Michigan.”
What is the maximum sentence Kentia Monique Fearn will face?
If found guilty, she will be imprisoned for five years and a fine of up to $5,000 for her first offence.
Meanwhile, for driving under the influence, she faces up to 93 days in jail and either a $500 fine or 360 hours of community service.
“It’s our understanding that there was an argument between the driver and another individual in the parking lot of the apartment complex that they had left,” said Southfield Deputy Police Chief Jeff Jagielski on WJBK back in June.
“Anytime we have an untimely death of an otherwise healthy individual, we investigate as a homicide until evidence shows otherwise," Jagielski added.
“There was no brain activity. Her liver went to a baby, her kidneys went to a recipient, and her tissues and muscles were donated to the Gift of Life,” her mother, Bianca Vanmeter, told The Detroit Free Press on June 12.
“She just looked like a beautiful angel laying in bed,” she continued.
