Teen still detained in fatal DUI crash

A 3rd District Juvenile Court judge Wednesday ordered a 17-year-old accused of killing four people while driving drunk to remain in juvenile detention until his adult certification hearing in April.

The teen, who turns 18 in May, is accused of causing a two-car crash Feb. 9 on 2000 East near 2500 South that claimed the lives of 41-year-old Michelle Williams, who was six months pregnant; her 11-year-old son Ben; and 9-year-old daughter Anna. Her husband, Chris Williams, and their 6-year-old son, Sam, survived.

The boy was charged with four counts of automobile homicide, all second-degree felonies; third-degree felony DUI resulting in a serious injury; misdemeanor DUI resulting in injury; leaving the scene of an accident, a misdemeanor; and a minor in possession of alcohol, a class B misdemeanor.

Although he's named in public documents, the Deseret Morning News is not identifying the teen because he is still being treated as a juvenile in the judicial system. The Salt Lake District Attorney's Office has filed a motion asking the teen be certified to stand trial in adult court. That certification hearing is set for April 6.

Wednesday, Judge Andrew Valdez said he was concerned about the teen's apparent drinking problem and whether the boy might try to commit suicide if released. Because of that, he denied the defense's motion to have the boy continue his detention at home under the supervision of his parents.

Valdez noted his parents "have been watching for 17 years," but that wasn't enough to prevent the drinking that caused the tragic accident.

"I'm reluctant to release him at this point," he said. "I'm not going to release him."

The teen had a large contingent of family members and friends attend the hearing, including his parents, older brother, two sisters and a couple of aunts and uncles.

The boy flashed quick smiles at them as he was led in and out of the courtroom. For most of the hearing he sat with a concerned look on his face as he listened to the proceedings.

Before Valdez's decision was made, defense attorney Rich Van Wagoner argued it would be best for the teen to be at home where he could receive support from his family as well as continue to work toward high school graduation with video lectures submitted by his teachers.

"(The boy) is in need of support. Any comfort he receives is from his family, especially his mother and father who are fully prepared to see him through this," he said.