Scio Township man charged in death of veterans advocate Gary Lillie
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Gary Lillie remembered for his kindness, generosity in wake of fatal crash
Veterans advocate Gary Lillie killed by suspected drunken driver
A man investigators said was drunken driving when he struck and killed a pedestrian Thursday night in Scio Township is being held at the Washtenaw County Jail on a $25,000 bond, with the right to post 10 percent.
Kevin Ronald Warren, 43, of Scio Township, was arraigned this morning at the jail on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death.
He is accused in the death of 70-year-old Gary Lillie of Scio Township, a real estate agent, advocate for veterans and host of a weekly AM broadcast program called Veterans Radio.
Veterans advocate Gary Lillie was killed Thursday night while walking in Scio Township.
courtesy photo
Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputies said Warren was traveling east on Marshall Road in a sport utility vehicle about 11:30 p.m. Thursday when he struck and killed Lillie who was walking in the same direction. Lillie was thrown into a ditch.
Investigators said Warren left the scene and went home. After he arrived at home, he called 911, then returned to the scene of the accident near Baker Road, where witnesses were with Lillie.
At the arraignment, Warren's attorney, Dennis Hayes, said Warren is a lifelong resident of the county who works as a plumbing equipment salesman. Warren has no criminal record and his mother, ex-wife and son live in the area, Hayes said.
Hayes told Magistrate Thomas Truesdell that Warren made the initial 911 call and returned to the scene.
Truesdell said prosecutors requested a $25,000 cash or surety bond. He set bond at $25,000, with the right to post 10 percent, meaning Warren must pay $2,500 to get out of jail.
If convicted, Warren faces a maximum of 15 years in prison on each charge. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 16.
(This story was revised to correct information regarding the arrest of the suspect.)
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
clownfish
Sun, Aug 7, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.
I am wondering...do the people that think Jalen Rose got "the shaft" for serving 20 days for drunk driving still think it was a harsh sentence?
mojo
Sun, Aug 7, 2011 : 1:16 a.m.
We have lost a great man, a war veteran, a very strong advocate for veterans, and a friend.
Sandy Brode
Sun, Aug 7, 2011 : 5:58 a.m.
Gary, a friend and business peer believed deeply in all that was good. and worked towards change. "See everything,: overlook a great deal: correct a little. (Pope John XXIII)
Douglas Braun
Sun, Aug 7, 2011 : 2:43 a.m.
My introduction to Gary was when he returned from Vietnam. The Kiwanis Club I belonged to had "adopted" Gary, sending him a tpae recorder then twice a month we would gather at the president's house to record a tape for Gary. When he returned he ask to join our Kiwanis group. Gary had some issues with his time "in country" but was a very generous person and always one of the first to sign up for a work project. When I was transfered from the Ann Arbor area Gary was one of my Kiwanis brothern I missed greatly. When ever I returned to Ann Arbor he was always contacted and he took great interest in how my children were doing and always ask when was I moving back. Gary was a very gracious, giving, yet fun loving individual. Gary you will be greatly miss, you've earned your wings now rest in peace my friend.
Salinemary
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 9:13 p.m.
Thank you for all you did for our vets, Mr. Lillie, and rest in peace.
oldblueypsi
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 7 p.m.
Yes, drunk drivers should be held accountable. But at this point, the only "drunk driving" witnessed may have been at his return to the scene. He had gone home and had what to drink before returning? Not as open and shut a set of facts as implied by the headline. Mr.Lillie was a most capable realtor and investor in real estate. He was a very responsible representative of and advocate for veterans in Washtennaw County. He will be missed.
Ross
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.
Margaret, define "that drunk". You can fail a breathalyzer with one swig of beer, so yes, even part of just one drink could have been enough. Or was there a BAC reported at any point?
Margaret
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
Can one get that drunk in 20 minutes oldblueypsi?
John B.
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.
It is very, very sad that Gary was killed this way. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends (of which there are many). It is good that the drunk driver returned to the scene and will be taking responsibility for his actions. Folks, please do not walk with the traffic if you are walking in the road. Always walk against traffic in that case, so you can see oncoming traffic and at least have a chance to get out of the way if necessary. Do not, however, ride your bicycle against traffic. That is one of the leading causes of death for cyclists.
2020
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 5:49 p.m.
Very sad. Yes the drunk driver should be held responsible, for deciding to drive after drinking to much. I would like to remind people walking along the road, to walk against the flow of traffic (as the law requires), and carry a flash light, if it's dark outside. I see people quite often walking with the flow of traffic, at night and in the day time. If you walk against the flow of traffic, maybe, just maybe, you will have a chance to jump out of the way, if the driver is drunk or texting and not paying attention. Sometimes people are also listening to their Ipods, and do not have much of a chance if the can't see or hear the car coming. Just something to think about.
RJA
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.
Last night my comment was deleted. How about this? Rest in peace Gary, and I hope your killer spends a lot of time behind bars!
marlean leach
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 7:13 p.m.
Has it been proven that the driver was indeed drunk???
John B.
Sat, Aug 6, 2011 : 6 p.m.
It's highly unlikely that second part will occur, sadly.