Charges filed against Warren woman for deadly hit-and-run on I-696

A woman has been accused of causing a fatal hit-and-run incident on Interstate 696 when another woman was tragically killed while refueling her vehicle. Meghan Hamilton, 36, from Warren, has been charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious injury or death, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. The offense carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. The collision occurred early on a Sunday morning on eastbound I-696 near Hoover Road/Exit 24 when Nateria Smith, 28, from Madison Heights, was struck while trying to add gas to her vehicle parked on the shoulder of the highway. Smith was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Witness accounts helped identify the perpetrator's vehicle, which was located by Warren Police with matching damage and debris from the crash. Hamilton appeared in court for arraignment and was given a $50,000 bond, along with conditions including wearing a GPS tracker if she is released. The case is scheduled for a probable cause conference on August 21 and a preliminary examination on August 28. Prosecutor Lucido emphasized the legal and moral obligation to remain at the scene of an accident to ensure prompt assistance and a clear understanding of the incident.