Trial begins for Michigan man charged in fatal crash

The trial of Marcus Wright, a 35-year-old man from Michigan City, started on Tuesday. He is accused of causing his girlfriend's death and seriously injuring their toddler son in a car crash in Pine Township three years ago. Prosecutors claim Wright was heavily intoxicated at the time of the accident, with a blood alcohol level over twice the legal limit and positive for THC. During the opening statements, prosecutors presented evidence that Wright was the driver. They argued that the position of the driver's seat suggested he was behind the wheel. Prosecutor Kiré Pavlovski emphasized that Wright was lying when he suggested his girlfriend, Alisa Oman, was driving. Defense attorney Mark Chargualaf argued that the evidence would show Wright was not the driver and that he had been a passenger in the vehicle. Witness Dana LaRocco testified about the moment she saw the car in her backyard pond. She had been cooking when she noticed something fall into the water. Her husband, Brian LaRocco, also witnessed the crash and helped rescue the victims. He mentioned hearing a car speeding and not hearing any brakes before the accident occurred. Wright faces multiple charges, including serious felonies for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which could lead to significant prison time and fines. The trial is expected to wrap up on Thursday.