Macomb County, MI – A Michigan man will spend decades in prison after causing the deaths of a pregnant woman and her unborn child during a high-speed chase while trying to evade police over a minor traffic violation. The case has drawn attention for the dramatic courtroom exchanges between the defendant, prosecutor, and judge.
Jury Conviction and Sentencing
Travion Twon-Deangelo Smith, 18, was found guilty in July by a Macomb County jury on one count of second-degree murder, gross negligence causing the death of a fetus, fleeing and eluding, and two counts of reckless driving causing serious injury. The charges stem from the August 2023 deaths of 31-year-old Faith Gumma and her unborn baby, who were killed when Smith ran a red light while evading police.
On Tuesday, 16th Circuit Court Judge James Biernat sentenced Smith to 25 to 50 years in state prison, emphasizing the severe consequences of his actions on the victims’ family and the broader community.
Fatal Chase Details
Police reported that officers attempted to pull Smith over around 9:30 p.m. on August 12, 2023, citing multiple minor reasons, including suspected impairment and a vehicle without insurance. Lt. Mario Bastianelli of the Sterling Heights Police Department explained,
“They observed this tan Equinox driving down 15 Mile in the right lane with its left turn signal on… The vehicle came back with no insurance, which is a misdemeanor.”
Smith fled the traffic stop at speeds reaching 93 mph, ultimately running a red light at 16 Mile and Van Dyke Avenue, striking Faith Gumma’s vehicle. Her husband, Norman Gumma, 36, was left paralyzed, and their 2-year-old child sustained serious injuries but later recovered.
Courtroom Confrontation
During sentencing, Smith attempted to downplay his culpability, stating:
“I was 16 when this terrible accident occurred. I was scared, your honor, and I didn’t understand what happened that day. I truly don’t understand why they followed me in the first place. I am not a murderer of any kind.”
Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Steve Fox responded sharply:
“He says he is not a murderer… You are. Your conduct killed a woman and her unborn child. You are a murderer.”
Smith also attempted to apologize to the family, which Fox criticized for immediately centering the statement on himself rather than the victims.
Judge Highlights Devastating Consequences
Judge Biernat emphasized the severity of the injuries to the surviving family members, noting Norman Gumma’s paralysis as “a fate worse than death.” The judge lamented that the incident could have been avoided entirely:
“Going back to that night, you had no drugs in your car, you had no guns in your car… You literally wiped out a family. All you had to do was stop.”
The sentencing marks the end of a harrowing case that has left the community reeling and underscores the grave consequences of reckless driving and fleeing law enforcement.
What measures do you think could prevent similar tragedies during minor traffic stops? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
