Brooke Lynn-Denise Charles

Suspect charged in alleged hit-and-run that killed Fraser teacher

By: Brendan Losinski | C&G Newspapers | Published June 20, 2023

FRASER — A suspect has been charged in the fatal collision that killed Fraser High School teacher Connor McMahon.

McMahon, 25, a Roseville resident, had pulled over on the right shoulder of Interstate 94 near Beaufait Street in Harper Woods at 10:20 p.m. on June 13 to change a tire on his vehicle. Investigators said he was pulled over sufficiently away from the roadway and his vehicle was partially on the embankment next to the freeway.

According to the Michigan State Police, Brooke Lynn-Denise Charles, a 25-year-old Grosse Pointe Woods woman, was driving while allegedly intoxicated and drove her vehicle off the roadway, striking McMahon and fatally injuring him. MSP officials said that Charles fled the scene on foot but was apprehended after a brief foot chase.

Charles has been charged with one count of operating while intoxicated-causing death, one count of leaving the scene of an accident-causing death and one count of resisting and obstructing a police officer.

“A series of horrible — and allegedly criminal decisions by now-Defendant Charles — led her to being charged with numerous offenses. The evidence will show that she caused the death of Connor McMahon, a much-beloved teacher,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a press release. “The messaging about drinking and driving has been around for decades. It cannot be repeated enough.”

Charles was arraigned on June 17 in 36th District Court before Magistrate Joseph Boyer and given a $50,000 cash bond. Her next scheduled hearing is a probable cause conference scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, in 32A District Court before Judge Rebekah Coleman.

According to court records at the time of publication, Charles did not have an attorney.