16-Year-Old Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Crash

Police car pursuing a vehicle during a nighttime chase

News Summary

Daniel Shane Canales, a 16-year-old, faces second-degree murder charges after a police chase led to a fatal crash that killed 28-year-old Alex Habib. Canales has been arraigned as an adult and is denied bond as he faces serious legal consequences, including the potential for life in prison. The tragic incident occurred when Canales fled from officers, resulting in a collision that left Habib’s family mourning his loss.

Detroit—A 16-year-old boy, Daniel Shane Canales, has been charged with second-degree murder and several other felonies following a police chase that resulted in a fatal crash earlier this month. Canales has been arraigned as an adult in Macomb County, where he faces serious legal consequences for his actions.

The charges against Canales include two counts of fleeing a police officer, one count of driving with a suspended license causing death, and unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle. Magistrate Ryan Zemke denied bond for Canales during his arraignment in the 41B District Court on Thursday. A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on July 28, with Judge Jacob Femminineo Jr. presiding over the case.

If convicted of second-degree murder, Canales could face any number of years in prison, including the possibility of a life sentence. Additionally, the other charges could lead to a maximum cumulative sentence of up to 40 years.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of July 12, when police attempted to pull Canales over while he was driving a Hyundai Sonata without its lights on. Instead of stopping, Canales allegedly sped away, leading police on a chase westbound along Interstate 696. He exited the freeway, ran a red light at the intersection of 11 Mile and Van Dyke, and subsequently crashed into a Ford Fusion.

The driver of the Ford Fusion, Alex Habib, a 28-year-old resident of Madison Heights, sustained critical injuries in the crash and later died in a hospital. Habib was a married father of two and was working as an Uber driver at the time of the incident. His family is now mourning his untimely death, with visitation and funeral services planned in his honor.

Canales was treated for non-life-threatening injuries before being taken to the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center. The events of the chase and crash were captured on police dashcam video, which may play a significant role in the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido described the case as “deeply troubling” and emphasized the importance of holding Canales accountable for his actions, regardless of his age. Lucido also indicated that he believes there is a need for Michigan lawmakers to impose tougher penalties on individuals who flee from police, highlighting the risks that such behavior poses to innocent lives.

Despite the serious charges, Canales does not have a prior criminal record. A preliminary exam for him is expected to take place in early August, further advancing the legal proceedings against him.

The tragic outcome of this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with reckless behavior on the roads. As the case progresses, the community continues to reflect on the impact of the events of that night, particularly for the family and friends of Alex Habib, who are now left grieving their loss.

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Additional Resources

16-Year-Old Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Crash

STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER

DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.

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