CENTER LINE, MI — Six months after a nightmare 3 a.m. crash changed her life forever, 10-year-old Laila Breitshtrus is still fighting to reclaim her childhood. As the community rallies around the young girl, all eyes are on the Macomb County courthouse today, April 29, for the sentencing of the driver responsible.
The incident, which occurred in October 2025, remains one of the most shocking local tragedies in recent memory. While Laila has shown incredible strength, her family warns that the “scars” of that night—both physical and emotional—may never fully heal.
Launched from Her Bed: The Night of the Crash
On October 13, 2025, Laila was fast asleep in her Center Line home. At approximately 3:00 a.m., a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Caris Adell Wade veered off the road and slammed directly into Laila’s bedroom.
The force of the impact was so violent that the then-9-year-old was launched from her bed, through a window, and into the front yard. The injuries were catastrophic:
- Three spinal injuries
- A fractured nose
- A lacerated liver
Laila, who recently turned 10, told local reporters that even simple daily tasks are now a struggle. “If I do too many things at once… my lower tailbone will start to hurt,” she shared, describing the chronic pain that haunts her during chores and play.
The Driver Faces Justice
Following the crash, authorities say Caris Adell Wade fled the scene, leaving a critically injured child behind. Wade was later apprehended and hit with two felony counts:
- Reckless driving causing serious impairment.
- Failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death.
On March 2, Wade pleaded no contest to the charges. As her sentencing begins today, April 29, the Breitshtrus family hopes the court understands that while the driver’s sentence may be temporary, Laila’s struggle is permanent.
“She’s Never Going to be 100%”
Laila’s mother, Rachel Wright, has been a pillar of support throughout months of doctor’s visits and physical therapy. Despite their progress, the reality of the situation is heavy.
“She’s never going to be 100% again,” Wright said. “That’s life, unfortunately… we can’t go back and change anything.”
For Laila, the goal isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s about being heard. “I just wish she [the driver] knew how much it’s changed my life,” the 10-year-old said.
Community Support: How to Help
The Center Line community has shown immense support through a GoFundMe organized by Taylor Brashaw to help the family cover mounting medical bills and therapy costs.
What do you think, Center Line? As sentencing takes place today, what does “justice” look like in a case where a child’s life is forever altered?
Share your messages of support for Laila in the comments below.
