Family Seeks Justice for Woman Killed in Detroit Hit-and-Run
A tragic hit-and-run accident has left the family of Juan Smiley, a young mother and grandmother, in mourning, as they continue to seek justice for her death. The incident occurred on one of Detroit’s most dangerous roads, Grashid and East Grand Boulevard, a notorious intersection where safety concerns have long been a point of contention.
On the early morning of a Saturday in April, Juan Smiley and her boyfriend, Jordan James, were crossing the street on scooters when an unidentified driver struck them. The driver, however, did not stop to offer help but fled the scene, leaving Smiley dead and her boyfriend in critical condition. The family has expressed deep emotional pain over the tragic event, with loved ones gathered at the site to demand justice.
The Aftermath of the Tragedy
Juan Smiley’s family has not only lost a cherished mother and grandmother but has also witnessed the emotional toll this incident has had on her loved ones. Her sister, Katha White, spoke with desperation as she appealed to the public, urging anyone with information to come forward. “Whoever did this to her, please, please throw yourself in,” she pleaded.
Makiba Harris, another sister of the deceased, remembered Juan as the “glue” who kept the family together. The family describes Juan as someone who was vital to their emotional support and community. “She was the glue to a lot of people,” Harris said, reflecting on the loss of a key family member who played a central role in their lives.
Juan’s father, Everett Bell, shared his frustration over the lack of justice and the dangers of the intersection where his daughter’s life was taken. “It’s very, very dangerous intersection. People speed through here morning and night,” Bell stated, highlighting the dangerous conditions that have led to numerous accidents in the area.
Safety Concerns in Detroit’s Grashid Corridor
The intersection of Grashid and East Grand Boulevard is notorious for its dangerous road conditions, and this accident is not the first fatality in the area. In fact, Grashid has been named one of Detroit’s most perilous corridors, with a significant number of crashes and fatalities occurring over the years. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 2,542 crashes, 38 fatalities, and over a thousand injuries along the Grashid corridor. Additionally, 93 pedestrians were hit in these accidents, making the intersection even more concerning for the community.
Despite these ongoing safety issues, the city has made efforts to address the problem. In September 2023, the city announced a $12.5 million allocation to improve safety and reduce crashes along Grashid. This funding is focused on creating safer roadways from 8 Mile Road to downtown Detroit, but the tragic death of Juan Smiley underscores the urgent need for these projects to be implemented quickly.
Family’s Call for Public Assistance
In their ongoing fight for justice, Juan’s family has called on the community for help in identifying the driver responsible for the hit-and-run. Family members and supporters returned to the scene where the accident occurred, expressing their need for answers and pushing for the investigation to remain a priority. Juan’s children, too, have joined the effort, asking anyone who may have seen anything or has any information, no matter how small, to come forward.
“Anybody know something, seen something, got any information, I don’t care if it was just a letter, a number of a license plate, a color, a detail, or anything,” said one of Juan’s children, expressing the family’s need for even the smallest clue to help solve the case.
Detroit police have joined the family in their efforts, urging anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-SpeakUp. The police are working diligently to identify the suspect, but the public’s cooperation remains crucial in helping to bring justice to Juan and her grieving family.
The Ongoing Struggle for Justice
As the investigation continues, the Smiley family faces the dual challenge of grappling with their grief and pushing for justice. The fatal hit-and-run has shaken not just the family, but the entire community, bringing attention to the safety hazards that persist in Detroit’s Grashid corridor. While the city has taken steps to improve road conditions, the Smiley family is determined to hold the driver accountable and ensure that future tragedies are prevented.
Juan Smiley’s death serves as a stark reminder of the need for safer roads and more responsible driving practices, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic. The family’s call for justice is a plea not only for accountability in this particular case but also for the city to take the necessary steps to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Until then, Juan’s family continues to mourn, hoping that the driver will eventually be found and that justice will be served. Their story is a reflection of the pain and frustration that many families experience after losing a loved one to senseless violence on the roads, and it serves as a rallying cry for community members to remain vigilant and proactive in keeping their neighborhoods safe.