Days before he killed a high school cheerleader in a wrong-way crash and carjacked a truck while intoxicated, a Kentucky man who had been released on bail in a prior case was sentenced.
For the 2021 carjacking that claimed the life of 17-year-old Madelynn Troutt, 31-year-old Michael Jacob Dewitt received a sentence of more than 24 years in prison. He entered a guilty plea to a federal charge of fatal carjacking in October.
The murderer apologized in court and told the Troutt family, “I have a debt to society,” according to local Fox affiliate WDRB.
Marcie Troutt, the victim’s mother, reacted to the apology.
I must admit that I was surprised to hear this after four years. I hope he meant what he said, and I’m pleased I heard it. And I hope he does so that he improves his life and that my daughter’s death is not in vain, she said. I’d like to. Yes, I do. I think that having a strong faith in God has been really beneficial to me during this journey. Therefore, I would want to state that I think he is sorry.
When Dewitt was arrested in Louisville on February 16, 2021, and charged with receiving stolen property, public intoxication with a controlled substance, and other charges, the events leading up to the crash started. In that instance, he allegedly hurt an officer while evading the police, according to WDRB.
In one case, Dewitt’s $5,000 bond was posted by the local organization of The Bail Project, which stated that he had a drug problem and had committed to seeking treatment.
His custody ended on February 24, 2021.
On March 1, 2021, five days later, Dewitt took a 2011 Ford F350 from a resident while brandishing a rifle and fled. Troutt was critically wounded as he veered into opposing traffic lanes on Louisville’s Dixie Highway.
He struck a pole after the collision and tried to run away, but witnesses caught him and held him until the police could come.
The Bail Project was the target of an unsuccessful lawsuit brought by Troutt’s family. Matthew McFarland, regional director of the Bail Project, discussed the decision with local NBC affiliate WAVE. He informed the station of all the information they had of Dewitt’s prior drug-related charges.
“It’s always better to look back,” McFarland said. We would not have carried out the bailout if we had ever witnessed anything approaching an incident in which someone was hurt.
Trout was a Butler High School senior. She was admitted to Bellarmine University with the intention of studying nursing, and her family set up a memorial scholarship there. In order to raise funds for the scholarship, her family also planned an annual golf scramble in her honor.
In this case, Dewitt, whose criminal history dates back to 2012, is charged with state murder.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.