Suspect with 12 previous DUI convictions sent to trial on murder for fatal crash

ROMULUS, Mich. (WJBK) - He's accused of driving drunk causing a horrific accident that killed a 12-year-old girl.

The attorney for Charles Cahill says his client is remorseful and has decided to waive his preliminary hearing Wednesday.

With 12 previous drunken driving convictions, 49-year-old Charles Cahill is sent to trial on murder charges for the crash that killed 12-year-old Victoria Mack.

"I believe that today he indicated some sense of remorse and tried to be sensitive to the family by waiving this exam so they didn't have to go through the pain of reliving this on the stand in front of people," said Mack family attorney Danien Woodson

Cahill who is being held without bond, is charged with second-degree murder, operating with a suspended license causing death and operating with a high blood-alcohol content causing death. That list of charges along with a misdemeanor charge for having an open alcohol container in his car.

"He's acknowledged that he deserves to be charged with what he's charged with," Woodson said.

Sumpter Township police say Cahill was driving about 80 miles per hour when he slammed into a minivan last month with Victoria Mack and four other family members inside.

Video shows Cahill, who had a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit, could barely speak afterward.

"This was definitely reckless indifference. I mean to get behind the wheel when you're that drunk, you know there is a likelihood that an accident will happen," Woodson said.  "Particularly someone like him with an extensive driving record."

While many are appalled that Cahill, after 12 drunken driving offenses dating back to 1986, was ever allowed back on the road, the family of Victoria Mack is trying to move forward. On Wednesday they were too distraught to speak.

"They did want everyone to know that they are extremely grateful for all of the love and support they've received at this time," Woodson said.

Cahill is due back in court a week to be arraigned on these charges and that's when a trial date will be set.