KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — An Illinois man who intentionally drove his car into a 55-year-old outside his apartment in Portage has been found guilty of reckless driving causing death, but not second-degree murder.
Sentencing for Devonte Parker, 21, is set for next month. He faces up to 15 years in prison.
The charges stem from an incident in January, where Kenneth Miller confronted Parker because he was parked outside the Goldentree Apartments, blasting his radio at midnight. Miller stood in front of Parker’s car, refusing to let him leave until police arrived.
Parker drove straight at Miller, who hung on to Parker’s hood for a quarter-mile before falling off and suffering injuries that resulted in his death four days later.
Parker was subsequently arrested after a high-speed chase. He was also convicted of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, fleeing and eluding and resisting arrest.
Miller’s family had hoped the Illinois man would be found guilty of second degree murder and are disappointed by the Jury’s decision. Parker will be sentenced next month.
– John McNeill
