Drunk driver arraigned in Roseville student's death

ROSEVILLE, Mich. (WJBK) - The man responsible for the death of a Roseville High School student was arraigned on Monday in 39th District Court.

St. Clair Shores resident Kyle Kumbo, 24, faces charges in the death of 18-year-old Julius Jones. Charges include one count of operating under the influence causing death and two counts of causing serious injury.

Early Saturday morning, Kumbo crashed into Jones' vehicle on Groesbeck Highway near 14 Mile Road, killing Jones and critically injuring a second passenger who is 20 years old. Two other passengers in the front seats were taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Investigators said Kumbo had been drinking prior to the accident, blew a 0.13 on a breath test, and failed field sobriety tests. He posted a $100,000 bond and remains on house arrest until his next hearing on March 30.

"He shouldn't be able to post any bond because someone is dead (and) someone else is fighting for their life,"  said Vicki Jones, mother of the victim. "Why should be out here talking about going to school and work? Those kids had school; they had work."

The four people who Kumbo struck were all current or former students at Roseville High School. The district brought in extra staff and grief counselors Monday to help those who knew the victims..

"It's not like a family business where you can shut the door and say, 'Closed for the day,'" said Roseville High School Principal Peter Hedemark. "Part of us being open is to be here for the kids."

Jones, who once played both football and basketball at Roseville, had planned on becoming a marine after graduation. His family now hopes others will learn from the tragedy that has left them numb.

"Drunk driving destroys lives," said Jones Sr.

Hedemar told FOX 2 the proceeds from the sale of spirit T-shirts from Monday night's basketball game will be donated to the family.