Drunk Driver Kills Teens, Leaves Infant Orphaned

A fatal crash on M-46 Highway in Michigan has led to charges against 49-year-old Brian Nowicki. He is accused of causing the deaths of Latrese McFerrin and Mark Pettengill, a teenage couple, on Thursday, June 18. Nowicki allegedly attempted to pass a van the couple was in, swerved to avoid an oncoming car, and struck their vehicle, sending it into eastbound lanes where it was hit by two other vehicles.

McFerrin and Pettengill were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of one of the eastbound vehicles sustained injuries and was hospitalized. Authorities emphasize the incident was preventable, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving. Nowicki faces multiple charges, including operating while intoxicated causing death and operating with a suspended license causing death. He appeared in court on Monday, June 22, and was ordered held on a $2 million bond.

Prosecutors noted Nowicki's extensive history of driving offenses, including prior OWI charges and probation violations. The court was informed that his license had been suspended. The tragic crash has left the couple's 5-month-old son, Jayden, orphaned. A GoFundMe has been established by family members to cover funeral expenses and support their young child.