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Driver in wrong-way US 131 crash that killed pastor now formally facing charges

The man accused of driving the wrong way on US 131 causing a crash on Palm Sunday that killed a pastor is officially facing charges.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — A Grand Rapids man accused of causing a wrong-way crash on US 131 that claimed the life of a beloved pastor appeared before a judge Tuesday. 

Marcel Demontae McMillan, 30 is charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) causing death and reckless driving causing death. 

These charges stem from the crash that claimed the life of 63-year-old Byron Center man Dean Elliott. He pastored many parishes in West Michigan, from Living Hope Assembly of God to Fennville Assembly of God Church.

RELATED: Friends remember pastor killed in wrong-way crash as 'selfless'

McMillan faces two felony charges that if convicted, he could face a maximum of 15 years and/or $2,500 to $10,000. 

Michigan State Police said on April 2, 2023, a 30-year-old man from Grand Rapids, later identified as McMillan, was driving southbound in the northbound lanes of US-131 around 8:30 a.m. when he hit a northbound vehicle head-on. 

The 63-year-old man from Byron Center, now identified as Dean Elliot, died from his injuries. 

McMillan was previously convicted of driving without a valid license in 2021, online court records show. 

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