Detroit Mother Whose Kids Died in Vehicle at Casino Parking Garage Won’t Face Charges
Posted on: January 29, 2026, 09:26h.
Last updated on: January 29, 2026, 10:00h.
- A mother whose children died in a Detroit casino parking garage won’t face charges
- An investigation determined that the carbon monoxide deaths were accidental
A homeless Detroit mother of five who sought shelter inside a casino parking garage nearly a year ago won’t face charges for the carbon monoxide deaths of two of her children.
On Wednesday, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said there would be no charges filed related to the deaths that occurred at the Hollywood Casino Greektown parking structure in February 2025. A nearly year-long investigation concluded that Darnell Currie, 9, and his sister, A’millah Currie, 2, both died of accidental carbon monoxide toxicity.
After an extensive review of all the relevant evidence, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has determined that there is insufficient evidence for charges to issue against the mother of the two deceased children. The manner of death was determined to be accidental for both children,” the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said.
“We remain very concerned about the welfare of the remaining living children. While we, like many others, were heartened about the number of people and organizations that stepped in to help this family, we hope that those efforts will continue, and that those who are truly empowered to protect these children will continue to do so diligently,” added Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Tragic Deaths
Police said Tateona Williams, then 29 years old, drove her van into the Hollywood Greektown Casino parking lot amid frigid temperatures at around 1 am on Feb. 10, 2025. She left her vehicle running while she and her five children slept.
Williams reported becoming aware that Darnell and A’millah weren’t breathing around noon that day. Instead of calling 911, Williams called a family member, who arrived and quickly transported the children to the nearby Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
Emergency staff were unable to revive the children. Hypothermia was initially suspected, but autopsies found carbon monoxide toxicity.
Homelessness records showed that Williams had contacted a shelter intake in November 2024, though she had since been living on her own with her children out of the van.
The Detroit Police Department’s analysis of the vehicle pinpointed a carbon monoxide leak where the two children had been sleeping.
Law enforcement said it found bags of feces and urine, along with bags of trash, inside the van. A marijuana bong and rolling tray were also discovered.
Surveillance video showed the van entering and parking for long durations inside the casino garage in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Dangerous Gas
More than 400 people in the US die accidentally from non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning each year. The federal health agency says even a small leak in a vehicle’s exhaust system is dangerous, especially if the vehicle is parked inside a structure cornered or bordered by walls.
Never run your car or truck inside a garage,” the CDC website says.
Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, and cannot be seen. Along with vehicles, many household items produce the poisonous gas, including portable generators and charcoal grills. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
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