Man driving wrong way on I-696 to flee and evade police is convicted of second-degree murder charge

Mount Clemens, MI - Today, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido's office announces 42-year-old Stephano Ramon Nabors was convicted by a jury in connection with fleeing and eluding the police and causing a fatal traffic crash on I-696.

On August 28, 2025, after a three-day jury trial conducted by Assistant Prosecutor Brian Fox, a jury convicted Nabors on all of the following charges:

Count 1: Second Degree Murder, a felony punishable up to life or any term of years.

Count 2: Operating Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death, a felony punishable up to 15 years.

Count 3: Reckless Driving Causing Death, a felony punishable up to 15 years.

Count 4: Driving While License Suspended Causing Death, a felony punishable up to 15 years.

Count 5: Fleeing and Eluding Police, a felony punishable up to 15 years.

Nabors was remanded to custody to await his sentencing. The sentencing is set for October 7, 2025 at 8:30 am before Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Faunce.

On May 5, 2023, Nabors was driving eastbound on I-696 in the westbound lanes. Nabors first collided with a vehicle near Couzens Rd., causing that vehicle to rollover. When the Michigan State Police entered I-696 near Groesbeck to investigate, Nabors almost hit their patrol car head on. Nabors continued to flee, and the officers followed Nabors eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-696. Nabors then crashed head on with a vehicle near Gratiot Ave. Sadly, the driver of this vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Another jury verdict! Another message to offenders! Another message to legislators! This defendant's reckless decision to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol was his first mistake! But his decisions to not stop when he hit the first car, or when he nearly hit the police car, or when he chose to flee and evade the police by refusing to stop ultimately resulted in a tragic and senseless loss of life to an innocent driver. Our office tirelessly pursues justice for the families who have to live with these unnecessary, tragic events," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Prosecutor Lucido is actively calling on Michigan lawmakers to come together in support of strong, bipartisan legislation to address the growing public safety threat of drivers who refuse to stop for law enforcement.

The Michigan House is now taking up a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police.

"Every time someone runs, they roll the dice with innocent lives. I want to end that gamble," Prosecutor Lucido said. "We need statutory enhancement of consequences including mandatory prison time. The people of the state of Michigan deserve to be protected."

The Macomb County Prosecutor's office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Macomb County Prosecutor's Office

Contact: Robert A. Leonetti, Chief Assistant

Office: +1 (586) 469-7325

Cell: +1 (586) 876-1912

E-mail: [email protected]