Parents of a 13-year-old killed in a hit-and-run in Walled Lake are unhappy with the verdict

PONTIAC, Mich. – More than a year after the horrific accident that killed a 13-year-old girl in Walled Lake, the case has been partially closed – but not in the way the family had hoped.

On March 22, 2023, a teenager was reportedly fleeing from police when he collided with two other vehicles at the intersection of West Maple Road and Decker Road. This collision sparked a series of collisions with three other cars involved.

Erica Carrothers was seriously injured in the accident. She was driving her two daughters home from ice skating practice when the Jeep struck her. 13-year-old Piper Carrothers was taken to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Her 10-year-old sister Cora suffered significant injuries.

More: Parents speak about accident in which their daughter died on the way home from ice skating practice in Walled Lake

At 19, Gavin Kassab was the oldest person in the Jeep at the time. He and the underage driver ran on foot. 14 months after the fatal crash, Kassab was sentenced on Tuesday, June 4.

Kassad pleaded no contest in April and was sentenced to prison on Tuesday, June 4, but it was not the type of sentence the family had asked the judge for.

Piper’s mother and father revealed their broken hearts to the judge.

“While Gavin ran, they loaded my daughter Piper’s limp body into an ambulance and my husband rushed to the hospital to pick her up while I still had no hope,” said Erica Carrothers.

“I had to watch her die in front of my eyes and leave Piper behind to catch up with Cora and make sure I didn’t lose them both,” recalled William Carrothers.

The parents criticize the Oakland County District Attorney’s Office for the long wait before filing charges and for not filing enough charges, and point to further offenses in the course of the charging process.

“As if it wasn’t shocking enough to have my family die at that intersection,” said William Carrothers. “Just three days after he killed Piper, he and his family left for Florida on vacation.”

“He could have made different decisions long before Piper died,” said Erica Carrothers. “He just chose not to.”

Although William tried to dissuade him, Kassab still apologized to the family.

“I apologize first and foremost to the Corrothers family, all the victims and the community for their terrible loss and the harm I have caused,” Kassab said. “I send my deepest condolences and sympathy to the families.”

Kassab was sentenced to 8 to 15 years in prison, of which he has already served 350 days. He could be eligible for parole in 2031.

The verdict against the 15-year-old driver is expected to be announced in September.