Virginia Man Denied Bond After Fatal I-75 Crash in Holly
HOLLY, MI — Charles Dean Pace, 27, was denied bond during a court appearance on July 1 following a crash on southbound I-75 that resulted in four fatalities.
According to Michigan State Police (MSP), Pace is charged with four counts of second-degree murder and four counts of operating while intoxicated causing death. He allegedly exceeded 90 miles per hour before his Ford F-250 struck a disabled Chrysler 300 parked on the roadside.
All four occupants of the Chrysler were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims have been identified as Zakeria Sharon Dodson, 23; Tieree Powell, 24; and two children, Nalani Powell, 3, and Karter Powell, 2.
MSP reported that Pace’s blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit. Prior to the incident, he had a previous alcohol-related conviction in 2020.
During the hearing, the judge highlighted the seriousness of the charges as grounds for the bond denial. Pace’s defense attorney noted that he had maintained a stable work history for the past decade and had not faced legal issues since his prior conviction.
Pace is scheduled for a probable cause conference on July 14 and a preliminary exam on July 21. The investigation remains ongoing, with ongoing support from emergency response agencies.