Mother sentenced after wrong-way driving accident while under the influence of alcohol that left three-year-old dead in Farmington Hills

FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan. – A mother was arrested on Thursday, June 27, for her role in a wrong-way driver accident in Farmington Hills in which her three-year-old child died and five other children were injured.

The accident occurred on August 29, 2022 at approximately 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Inkster and Eight Mile Road.

Authorities said Shelby Symone Ellis was driving north on Inkster Road when she collided with a car driven by a 33-year-old man. Detroit Man. She was in the car with her six children, including a three-year-old who was not in a car seat or using a seatbelt.

According to police, Ellis’ blood alcohol content was 0.26 at the time of the accident. Two days after the accident, she was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol causing death and endangering a child.

She pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol causing death in February 2024.

Ellis was sentenced to one year in prison beginning Thursday and three years probation.

A restitution hearing is scheduled for July 18.