Detroit Judge Orders Four Men To Stand Murder Charges

Detroit Judge Thomas Jackson ordered four men accused of punching and kicking a motorist who accidentally struck a 10-year-old to stand trial on attempted murder charges on Monday, Reuters reported.

Judge Jackson ordered the four men to stand trial after reviewing their statements to police and hearing witnesses testimony about the chaotic mob attack, according to Reuters. Steve Utash, the motorist who was attacked, is still recovering in a hospital bed

Defense attorneys said Utash's injuries were awful but an attempted murder charge was too severe, Reuters reported.

"One or two may not be enough to kill anyone," the Judge Jackson said, according to Reuters. "But a combination may be enough to cause one's death."

Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey introduced statements to police from Latrez Cummings, 19, James Davis, 24, and Wonzey Saffold, 30, all acknowledging a role in the April 2 attack, Reuters reported. They were ordered to trial, along with Bruce Wimbush Jr., 17, who waived the hearing.

A nurse is credited with rushing to the boy's side and also intervening to save Utash from further injuries, according to Reuters. The witness also said Cummings likely kicked the victim at least 10 times.

Statements to police indicate that three of four men recognized the boy and had revenge on their mind, Reuters reported.

"I saw the little boy on the ground ... and I lost it," Saffold told investigators, according to Reuters.

Utash's family sat in the front row of the courtroom, while relatives of the accused men sat directly behind them in three rows, Reuters reported.

There were deep sighs, sobbing and muffled utterances of "liar" during the testimony, according to Reuters. Some spectators were ejected by sheriff's deputies.

Outside court, Utash's brother-in-law Max Mohr said Utash is struggling and disoriented in the hospital, Reuters reported. He said Utash tried to walk with the help of nurses but lasted only a few steps.

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