Man arraigned on counts in Lenawee County crash

11/14/2000

ADRIAN - A Byron Center man was arraigned yesterday in Lenawee County District Court on charges that he caused a July 15 traffic accident that killed a husband and wife.

Danial Lee Bylsma, 26, was charged with two counts each of manslaughter with a motor vehicle and negligent homicide. He was released on a $20,000 bond pending a preliminary exam Nov. 27.

Reed Wotring, 78, of Blissfield, was eastbound on U.S. 223 when his vehicle slowed for car that was turning left onto Devils Lake Highway.

Mr. Bylsma's vehicle, also eastbound, failed to stop for the two vehicles in front, struck Mr. Wotring's minivan, and forced it into the westbound lane of U.S. 223, where it collided with a tractor-trailer rig. Mr. Wotring and his wife, Esther, 77, died.

Mr. Bylsma told sheriff's deputies he didn't see the vehicles until it was too late.