Farmington Hills Man Charged in December Hit and Run Death

A 52-year-old Farmington Hills man was arraigned today on charges stemming from the Dec. 14 death of 21-year-old Tiffany Goetz in a hit-and-run incident. 

According to a press release issued this morning by Farmington Hills Police, Michael Kramer stood mute as he was arraigned in , in front of Judge James Brady. He faces a single charge of "failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death", which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

Tiffany Goetz, 21, was killed at approximately 10 p.m. on Dec. 14, when she entered the roadway after leaving her home in the area of 13 Mile Road and Halsted Road. As she was standing in the road, a vehicle that was traveling east on 13 Mile Road struck her. At the time, police reported that witnesses saw the vehicle briefly pull to the side of the road and continue east on 13 Mile Road.

Lt. Michael Ciaramitaro said typically there are two parts to the charge in hit-and-run cases. 

"When you're in an accident like that, you have to stay and render aid," he explained. "You can't leave to go make a report. But you're also required to report the accident forthwith."

Ciaramitaro said police did receive some tips in the case and also worked with Kramer's attorney to close the case. 

The family of Tiffany Goetz has set up a memorial fund to cover expenses related to her death, as she did not have life insurance. Donations may be sent to Diane Goetz, P.O. Box 32, Rock, MI 49880, or Rock Community Credit Union, P.O. Box 200, Rock, MI 49880.