FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – A Romulus man has been charged with eight counts, including second-degree murder, after a fatal collision that resulted in the deaths of a Farmington Hills couple. The collision occurred while the man was reportedly driving a stolen pickup truck and being pursued by the police.
According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, Angel Melendez-Ortiz, 35, was driving the stolen pickup truck the wrong way with its headlights off and at a speed of up to 100 mph when it crashed head-on into a GMC Terrain on the Lodge Freeway. The couple in the Terrain, Ryan Ambrosio, 45, and Jennifer Ambrosio, 43, were killed in the collision. The couple, who were parents of six young children, were on their way home from a date night when the tragedy occurred.
In addition to the murder charges, Melendez-Ortiz is facing two counts each of first-degree fleeing and eluding police causing death, reckless driving causing death, and operating a vehicle with a suspended/revoked/denied license causing death. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has stated that the highest possible charges have been authorized, and that they will pursue justice for the victims and their family, including their young children.
Following the incident, Melendez-Ortiz was hospitalized for injuries sustained in the crash but is expected to be arraigned in the afternoon. Michigan State Police reported that there was also a 29-year-old woman in the stolen pickup truck who was injured in the crash.
The incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 6, when a Michigan State Police trooper attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, a 2006 Ford Super Duty pickup truck. The pursuit led to the fatal collision after the truck traveled onto the Lodge Freeway.
If convicted of second-degree murder, Melendez-Ortiz could face up to life in prison. The other charges against him carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 fines. A GoFundMe account has been set up to support the Ambrosio children in memory of Jen and Ryan.
Overall, the tragic collision has led to the deaths of the Farmington Hills couple, and the Romulus man faces serious charges as a result of the incident. The impact of the collision on both families and communities has been significant, leading to a call for justice for the victims.