Crime & Safety
Grand Traverse County, MI Teen Charged With Murder in 129 MPH Crash
Traverse City, MI – An 18 year old Traverse City man is facing a second degree murder charge following a deadly crash in Grand Traverse County that killed a 17 year old passenger, with prosecutors all
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-10-23T19:57:15.510Z
Traverse City, MI – An 18 year old Traverse City man is facing a second degree murder charge following a deadly crash in Grand Traverse County that killed a 17 year old passenger, with prosecutors alleging the vehicle was traveling approximately 129 mph just seconds before impact.
According to the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor's Office, Jackson Matthew Lakies, 18, was charged Thursday, October 22, with second degree murder and operating while intoxicated causing death in connection with the October 3 crash that killed Jason Douglas Soloman, 17.
Lakies was taken into custody Friday morning and booked into the Grand Traverse County Jail.
Investigators Allege Vehicle Reached 129 MPH The crash occurred around 7:49 a.m. October 3 on Center Road near McKinley Road in Peninsula Township, northeast of Traverse City.
Investigators allege Lakies was driving a 2016 BMW southbound at an extremely high speed while under the influence of alcohol.
Vehicle data reportedly showed the BMW traveling approximately 129 mph just five seconds before approaching a sharp curve.
Prosecutors said the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Investigators detected no braking until approximately half a second before impact.
Soloman, who was riding as a passenger, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Teen Faces Possible Life Sentence Prosecutors allege Lakies knowingly engaged in conduct creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm.
Second degree murder carries a possible sentence of life imprisonment or any term of years under Michigan law.
The additional charge of operating while intoxicated causing death carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Court Appearance Expected Lakies is expected to be arraigned in Grand Traverse County's 86th District Court . Bond information and future court dates were not available in Friday's announcement.
The prosecutor's office extended condolences to Soloman's family, friends and classmates.
All charges remain allegations. Lakies is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.