Macomb Township man convicted of Second-Degree Murder in drunk driving crash

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Jack Robb, a 20-year-old man from Macomb Township, was convicted by a jury of Second-Degree Murder stemming from a drunk driving crash in 2024.

On Friday, May 1, 2026, following a two-day jury trial, a Macomb County jury found Robb guilty as charged of Homicide – Murder – Second Degree, a felony punishable by any term of years up to life in prison. The jury deliberated for approximately seven hours over two days. The trial was held before Circuit Court Judge Jennifer M. Faunce. Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Jeff Stone and Julianne Beslic prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

Robb was remanded into the custody of the Macomb County Jail. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Faunce on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

The charges stem from a fatal drunk driving crash that occurred near 2 a.m. on January 7, 2024, in Shelby Township.  Robb, who was 17 years old, was traveling north on Hayes Road in a Dodge Ram pickup. He was driving approximately 86 miles per hour when he disregarded a red light and broadsided the Honda Civic of 26-year-old Austin Southwell, who was traveling west on 21 Mile Road. Southwell was killed. It was established that Robb drank alcohol and smoked marijuana prior to the crash.

“There is never an excuse for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This kind of reckless decision-making leads to devastating, irreversible consequences. One young man has lost his life and another will soon be sentenced for Second-Degree Murder. I hope this case serves as a clear and lasting reminder: do not drink or use drugs and drive.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Austin Southwell. It is my hope that this conviction brings them some measure of relief and a sense of closure in the face of their profound loss,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

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 individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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