A Pontiac mother and her two young sons were killed in a traffic crash last summer, and the man accused of causing the collision will face a judge next month to determine whether the case moves to trial.

Tomas Alvarado Jr., 21, is scheduled for a preliminary examination on Aug. 6 in 50th District Court in Pontiac. The hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence to send the case to Oakland County Circuit Court for a full felony trial.

The Crash That Killed Three

The collision happened at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2025, at the intersection of Joslyn Road and Montcalm Avenue in Pontiac, according to The Oakland Press.

Alvarado was driving a 2022 Honda Civic south on Joslyn Road when his vehicle crossed the centerline, left the roadway, and struck several signs and poles. The car then hit a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu that was stopped at a red light on westbound Montcalm Avenue, according to crash details reported by FOX 2 Detroit and The Oakland Press.

Three people died in the crash:

  • Deniquah Reed, 37
  • Dior Reed, 6
  • Dex Reed, 4

Reed's then 9-year-old daughter, Demi, was seriously injured but has since recovered, according to Hoodline and The Oakland Press. Alvarado was also injured in the wreck, officials said.

Charges and Penalties

Alvarado faces three counts of reckless driving causing death and one count of reckless driving causing serious injury, according to court records cited by Hoodline and The Oakland Press.

Each count of reckless driving causing death carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The reckless driving causing serious injury charge carries up to five years, according to CBS Detroit as cited by Hoodline.

Charges were not filed until more than six months after the crash. Alvarado turned himself in after learning of the charges and was arraigned in early March, according to Hoodline. He was released on a personal bond, which requires no cash or surety to be posted, according to The Oakland Press and ClickOnDetroit as cited by Hoodline.

Investigation Details

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office investigated the crash. According to The Oakland Press, the sheriff's office said an investigation indicated drug and/or alcohol use were factors in the crash.

Hoodline reported that investigators told local media in earlier updates that they did not believe alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision. The two outlets have reported conflicting information on this point.

What Happens at the Preliminary Exam

During the preliminary examination on Aug. 6, the prosecution will present evidence to establish probable cause, according to The Oakland Press. The hearing is limited in scope and focuses only on whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed, not on guilt or innocence, according to Hoodline.

If Judge Ronda Gross of 50th District Court finds probable cause, the case would move to Oakland County Circuit Court for trial, according to The Oakland Press.

Community Reaction

Pontiac Councilwoman Melanie Rutherford told local reporters that the tragedy had shaken the entire city, according to WXYZ as cited by Hoodline. She remembered Reed as a devoted parent.

Family members, neighbors, and local officials have been mourning the losses and pressing for answers since the crash, according to Hoodline.