The crash happened at about 2:11 a.m. Jan. 30 on Hagadorn Road, the paper reports.

King and his roommates Jordan Henika and Michael Freund, face three counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor causing death, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $5,000. The men also have been charged with one count of sale, delivery and importing alcohol without a license, a maximum one-year prison sentence and not more than $10,000 in fines, as well as one count of conspiracy to sell, deliver or import alcohol without a license, a misdemeanor with a similar sentence.

All three men currently are out of jail on $10,000 bonds.

“This is a tragedy that should have never happened,” Dunnings said.

The MSU student directory lists a Jordan Henika as an MSU student whose address matches that of King’s. Freund is a roommate of Henika and King, according to King’s attorney David Griem.
MSU officials could not confirm any of the men are students, but Griem said King attends MSU.

Although three of the felonious charges are a result of human fatality, the remaining charges have been imposed because alcohol was served to minors, said Meridian Township police Lt. Greg Frenger.

“They hosted an open house party serving alcohol without a license and serving to minors,” Frenger said.

Dunnings said because of the serious consequences that can result from drinking, he is not taking the case lightly.

“I want people to understand that if they do this sort of thing there will be consequences,” Dunnings said. “It’s against the law to provide alcohol to minors. If we find out someone provided alcohol, we’re going after them fair and simple.”

Frenger said in his 19 years at the Meridian Police Department he has yet to encounter a similar situation.

Griem said his client was “devastated” after the incident. Griem said King knew all three victims and was texting Bossenbery the night of the crash.

Griem said he believes the men have been overcharged for the crime.

“State court judges and prosecutors are elected and all too often are more concerned with their media image than they are with doing justice,” he said. “Sadly I think what I’ve seen so far — (Tuesday’s) press conference and the overcharging of those three young men — I think that’s the road we’re going down.”

Griem said the accident had a deep effect on King.

“He cannot sleep at night,” Griem said. “He has reoccurring nightmares.”

Frenger said the felony charge of sale, delivery and importing alcohol without a license can be applied to anyone who hosts a party with alcohol, providing a place for individuals younger than 21 to drink and selling alcohol before receiving a license.

“If you’re hosting a party with a few friends who are bringing their own drinks (and who are) over 21, you’re fine,” Frenger said. “If we can prove you provide an environment (for underage individuals to drink), you’re going to get charged.”

Had the Jan. 30 crash not occurred, the men still could be facing a one-year prison sentence, if any at all. It is the prosecutor’s final decision whether or not to try the case, Frenger said.

A pretrial has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 15.