Teen accused of starting police chase that led to deadly crash appears in juvenile court

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The teenager accused of running a red light, causing a deadly crash following a police chase appeared before a juvenile court judge on Monday.

WREG was the only media outlet in the courtroom as Erian Watkins heard an attorney lay out the list of accusations against him.

Tonight, Watkins will remain in custody.

It was an enormous and heartbreaking scene days ago in Hickory Hill.

A fatal, fiery crash involving five cars left three family members dead – 47-year-old Patrice Hughes, her daughter 26-year-old Dantrice Stanback and her cousin 26-year-old Shekila Sivley.

Dantrice’s two-year-old daughter was hospitalized in critical condition.

Multiple other people were also left seriously injured.

The 16-year-old Memphis Police say is responsible for the crash appeared before a judge Monday morning.

Cameras are not allowed inside juvenile court, but records have identified the teen as Erian Watkins.

He has been charged with nine counts of aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, lights required on motor vehicle, traffic control signal, sexual battery, three counts of vehicular homicide, felony evading arrest, reckless driving, no state driver’s license and possession of a prohibited weapon.

The prosecution claimed that prior to the wreck, Watkins was wanted for sexual battery and aggravated assault.

The teenager is accused of groping a female in a car and then pulling a gun on her.

He’s also accused of being a part of a group of nine people that robbed and carjacked a man, getting away with his Chrysler 300.

When police spotted the Chrysler, Watkins is accused of turning off his lights and going more than 100 miles per hour before smashing into other cars.

WREG reached out to the District Attorney’s office to see if it plans to have Watkins’ case moved to adult court.

We haven’t heard back yet.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.