Man Charged With Murder For Deadly Accident

Alabama State Troopers are investigating an accident in which three people, including two teens died.

17-year-old Brian Willis II, his 11-year-old brother Brandon, both of Irvington, and 18-year-old Mary Baker of Mobile were all killed Friday night when their SUV hit a tree near Citronelle. Troopers said the 2000 Ford Explorer ran off of Highway 45 and rolled over several time before hitting the tree.

Brandon Willis died on the scene. Brian Willis and Baker were both ejected from the vehicle. They were taken by ambulance and LifeFlight to USA Medical Center. They were pronounced dead around 1:00 am Sunday morning.

Alcohol doesn't appear to have played a factor, but troopers say speeding may have contributed and none of the passengers were wearing seatbelts.

Twenty-year-old Michael Loper was arrested Saturday and charged with three counts of murder in connection with the crash. A Highway Patrol spokesman said Loper apparently had a confrontation with one of the occupants of the Explorer. When he saw the vehicle on the highway, he made contact with it, causing the SUV to leave the road and crash. Loper is also charged with leaving the scene of an accident. He is being held in Mobile Metro jail.