MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that James Burke, a 29-year-old former Warren police officer, was bound over to the Macomb County Circuit Court to face charges related to a September 2024 car crash that resulted in the deaths of two men and severe injuries to his former partner.
On Friday, August 15, 2025, Warren’s 37th District Court Judge John M. Chmura rendered his decision after hearing evidence at James Burke’s Preliminary Exam. Judge Chmura bound Burke over as charged.
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 1:30 pm, Burke will be arraigned at the Macomb County Circuit Court before Judge Jennifer M. Faunce on the following charges:
COUNT ONE: Homicide – Manslaughter with Motor Vehicle, a 15-year-felony
COUNT TWO: Homicide – Manslaughter with Motor Vehicle, a 15-year-felony
COUNT THREE: Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function, a 93-day misdemeanor
COUNT FOUR: Public Officers – Wilful Neglect of Duty, a 1-year misdemeanor.
It was alleged that on Monday, September 30, 2024, former Warren Police Officer Burke was driving his patrol car at a high rate of speed without his emergency lights or siren on when he struck another vehicle. Burke’s partner was injured in the crash and 34-year-old Cedric Hayden, Jr. and 33-yer-old Dejuan Pettis were killed.
“Our thoughts remain with the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. “No matter the profession or background of the defendant, we are committed to ensuring that all individuals are held accountable under the law.”
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
