By Ashleigh Rogers
Holt Journal staff writer
Three men were arraigned today in 55th District Court on charges of providing minors with alcohol in connection with a Jan. 30 crash that claimed the lives of three teens. One of the men being arraigned is a student at Michigan State University.
Jordan Henika, 21
Michael Freund, 21
Charles King III, 21
According to court records, Jordan Henika, Michael Freund and MSU student Charles King III face several charges including three felony counts each of providing alcohol to a minor resulting in death. King and his two roommates hosted a party at their East Lansing apartment, located in the 6200 block of Rothbury Way. The party was promoted on Facebook and was open to all who wanted to attend. Reports stated that the three men allegedly served alcohol to minors who were later involved in a fatal car crash.
Today at a news conference, Meridian Township Police Lt. Greg Fregner reported that investigators had tracked down details of the party on Facebook. Also present at the news conference was Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III.
“They created a situation that had a tragic result,” stated Dunnings in reference to the three arraigned men. Their ages were not available. Dunnings said that the main reason for holding the news conference was to show that people who provide minors with alcohol will be prosecuted.
Brett Johnson, 17, the driver, had been charged with drunken driving and could face a maximum of 30 years in prison.
Holly Bossenbery, 17, Holt High School
Taylyr Cochran, 18, Holt High School
Anthony Harris, 17, Holt High School
Holt High School senior Holly Bossenbery, 17, and Holt High School graduate Taylyr Cochran, 18, were killed in the crash. On Feb. 2, Anthony Harris, 17, lost his life battling his injuries while in recovery at Sparrow Hospital. His funeral was Monday. Senior Kenzie Schafer was injured in the crash, but was released from Sparrow Hospital.
The five were southbound on Hagadorn Road after leaving a party. Johnson lost control on the two-lane road, veering onto the opposite side of the road and crashing into two trees. Police had reported that alcohol may have been a factor in the accident.
Johnson has been charged with two counts of drunken driving resulting in death and one count of drunken driving causing serious injuries. Charges have not been filed in Harris’ death.
Related coverage
- Holt students hold vigil, grieve classmates. Includes video, photos, story.
- 3 fundraisers to help with medical, funeral costs for Harris.