MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. - The man accused of hitting and killing a child over the weekend was not licensed to drive.
Dakota Lee Welch, 19, is accused of killing 6-year-old Taylor Davis girl in Muskegon Heights on Sunday morning. He was arrested shortly after the hit-and-run.
Welch has a significant history of driving violations, and records show he was caught driving without a license at least eight times in the last three years.
Due to all the violations, his driver's license -- although never issued -- is also suspended.
13 ON YOUR SIDE was able to get a copy of Welch's driving record from the Michigan Secretary of State's Office:
- Jan. 2, 2018: Driving without a license in Hart.
- Oct. 30, 2017: Driving without a license in Muskegon.
- Sept. 27, 2017: Driving without a license and no proof of insurance in Muskegon.
- Sept. 8, 2017: Driving without a license in Muskegon.
- March 9, 2017: Driving without a license in Grand Haven.
- Dec. 27, 2016: Driving without a license in Muskegon.
- June 27, 2016: Driving without a license in Muskegon.
- May 12, 2016: Driving without a license in Muskegon.
The Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office issued two felony charges against Welch on Monday, June 11. Welch is facing a felony count of operating an automobile while his driver's license was suspended or revoked causing death -- this carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Welch is facing a second felony charge for failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death. This is a 5 year felony, according to the prosecutor's office.
Welch is also being charged as a habitual offender due to being convicted of fleeing and eluding a police officer in February 2017.
During his arraignment Welch admitted to the judge he did hit a bicycle, but went on to say there's no evidence to prove he injured Davis because "there's no blood.".
Relatives and friends of Davis spent time remembering her Monday as a "vibrant, beautiful, loving child," said Monique Bailey, Davis' aunt. "She loved to play, she loved life, and to think that life was cut short right after her 6th birthday is beyond me."
"We do not support his negative behavior," said Virginia Miller-Welch, Welch's aunt. "Our whole family we do feel sorry for the other family and for their loss and what they are going through."
Welch's bond at $500,000. He's due back in court later this month.
Law enforcement and the prosecutor's office will continue to investigate the incident and say additional charges will be considered.
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