18-YEAR-OLD FACES MURDER CHARGE AFTER FATAL 𝔠r𝘢sh CLAIMS HIS FRIEND’S LIFE

Prosecutors allege Jackson Lakies was driving at nearly 129 mph before a 𝔠r𝘢sh that killed 17-year-old high school senior Jason Douglas Soloman. The case has raised serious questions about the events leading up to the tᩚraɢedy.

An 18-year-old in Michigan is facing a second-degree murder charge following a devastating 𝔠r𝘢sh that claimed the life of his teenage friend.

Jackson Lakies was charged after a 𝔠r𝘢sh on October 3, 2026, in Peninsula Township, near Traverse City, that killed 17-year-old Jason Douglas Soloman.

According to prosecutors, data recovered from the vehicle showed that the BMW was travelling at approximately 128.6 mph just five seconds before it struck a tree on Center Road.

Investigators reportedly found that the vehicle did not begin braking until roughly half a second before impact. Prosecutors also alleged that Lakies had consumed alcohol before the 𝔠r𝘢sh.

These allegations are central to the prosecution’s case, but they have not been established as facts through a trial.

PROSECUTORS CITE PREVIOUS DRIVING INCIDENTS

During court proceedings, prosecutors also referred to several earlier incidents involving Lakies’s driving.

According to reports, law enforcement had received approximately eight or nine prior contacts or complaints concerning his driving, including allegations of speeding and reckless driving.

Prosecutors also referenced another collision as they explained why they believed the charges were warranted.

The information was presented as part of the prosecution’s argument. The allegations must still be considered within the legal process.

A TEENAGE LIFE LOST

Jason Soloman was 17 and a senior at Traverse City Central High School. He was also a football player, with his future still ahead of him when the 𝔠r𝘢sh occurred.

His dєatᩚh has left family members, friends and members of the school community mourning a young life cut tragically short.

For those who knew Jason, the loss goes beyond the circumstances of the 𝔠r𝘢sh. It is the loss of a friend, a classmate and a teenager who should have had many more years ahead of him.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Lakies appeared in court on October 23, 2026, and was charged with second-degree murder and operating while intoxicated causing dєatᩚh. The court denied bond, according to local reporting.

A preliminary examination was scheduled for November 23, where the court is expected to consider evidence and determine whether the case should proceed.

Lakies is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

As the legal process moves forward, the case continues to draw attention to the devastating consequences of alleged dangerous driving—and the profound loss experienced by Jason’s loved ones.

FULL STORY IN THE COMMENTS.

Sources: 9&10 News — Details of the Charges and Vehicle Data | 9&10 News — Prosecutor Explains the Murder Charge | The Traverse Ticker