On the evening of September 22, 2021, at 8:37pm, 17 yr old Mia Howard was taking her 15 yr old cousin, Faith Howard, home. They were hit head on by intoxicated driver, Robert Merritt. Mia was instantly killed due to a massive brain injury. Faith had extensive facial lacerations leaving her with life long scars, physical, emotional and mental struggles caused by the devastating accident and the unbearable loss of her cousin, best friend, soulmate and her “person”.

Robert Merritt has been charged with 1. second degree murder 2. driving under the influence causing death and 3. reckless driving causing death. TWO judges agreed there is enough evidence to prove “malice” which is needed to uphold the second degree murder charge. One year and several court hearings later a pre trial date for January and trial date for February 21, 2022 has been set for the second degree murder charge. Last week, out of the blue, the Wayne County Prosecutors have decided to offer a plea bargain to Robert Merritt for the murder of Mia. This equates to a lesser charge and fewer years in prison even with an abundance of evidence, needed by LAW, to uphold a trial for second degree murder. 

Please help by signing this petition to support not offering a plea bargain to Robert Merritt. 

NO PLEA, ONLY SECOND DEGREE!!! Mia and Faith deserve nothing less and Robert Merritt needs to be held accountable for the unimaginable horrific destruction he has caused!