No charges to be filed in deaths of two kids in Detroit casino garage

January 28, 2026

Wayne County prosecutors have decided not to file criminal charges against a mother whose two young children, ages 2 and 9, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while the family lived in a van at a Detroit casino parking garage in February of last year. The tragic incident occurred when the family, which included other children and the grandmother, spent days in the running vehicle during freezing weather, and the van was later found to have a carbon monoxide leak. The deaths were ruled accidental by the medical examiner, though prosecutors expressed ongoing concern for the welfare of the surviving children in the family.

Who is affected

The mother of the deceased children
Two deceased children: 2-year-old Amillah Currie and 9-year-old Darnell Currie Jr.
Three surviving children: daughters ages 4 and 8, and a 13-year-old son (the grandmother's child)
The children's grandmother
Detroit's homeless population
Detroit's homelessness response system and city officials
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and the Prosecutor's Office

What action is being taken

No ongoing actions are explicitly described in the article. The warrant review has been completed, the decision not to charge has been made, and the seven-point plan was launched in the past. Organizations that previously stepped in to help are hoped to continue, but this is expressed as a hope rather than an ongoing action.

Why it matters

This case highlights critical failures in Detroit's homelessness response system, as the family had sought housing assistance for approximately two years before the tragedy occurred. The deaths of two young children under preventable circumstances exposed significant gaps in social services and prompted citywide policy reforms. The case also raises important questions about the intersection of homelessness, child welfare, and criminal accountability, demonstrating how systemic failures can have fatal consequences for vulnerable families.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com