A Detroit community has been left reeling after a couple was hit and killed while waiting for a bus. The couple, who did faith-based community work, were also parents. They had five sons ranging in age from 2 to 15. Thankfully, justice is being served — the woman who allegedly killed the parents, Dejah Latre Berry, has been arrested and charged. Of course, her arrest doesn’t change the fact that five boys are now orphans.
Due to their community outreach, the couple are beloved by everyone who knew them. Because of this, the boys have family and community to rally around them through this difficult time. But they are undoubtedly grieving their parents.
Berry fatally struck Kwasi Agbottah and his wife Elizabeth on April 25, 2025, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said, as CBS News reported. The woman was allegedly driving at a high speed when she lost control of her vehicle. She then crossed over multiple lanes of traffic before hitting the couple, who was waiting at a bus stop. The two were reportedly on their way to purchase groceries.
The Agbottahs were taken to a local hospital where they died from their injuries.
“They actually chose not to have a vehicle so they could walk the streets and ride the bus to be present with people in the community in a way that we don’t if we get in a car and drive around,” Pastor Mark Van Andel told WXYZ.
The couple, who was described as “urban missionaries,” lived with a faith-based mindset. They were constantly in service of those around them, including their children. “That’s the most devastating part of this. They were so intentional about loving and training up their children,” Van Andel said.
“Above all, Elizabeth and Kwasi were committed, intentional parents who fostered in their children a love of community, discipleship, and caring for God’s creation,” a GoFundMe set up for the children reads. “The boys are under the loving care of family but their lives are forever changed.”
As for Berry, she has been charged with two counts of reckless driving causing death and two counts of driving with a license suspended, revoked or denied causing death. She is being held under house arrest on a $50,000 bond.
“I really do not know what else can be said about drivers driving like there are no rules of the road and thinking they can drive anyway they want to drive. That allegedly happened in this case, and now two innocent people at a bus stop are dead,” Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement CBS News shared.
A probable cause hearing is set for May 7. A preliminary exam is set for May 14.
