Baby playing in yard is run over and killed by accused drunk driver, MI cops say

A man has been charged with murder nearly a month after authorities say he drove drunk and crashed into a family, killing an 8-month-old girl in Michigan.

Terry Lee Boss, 56, was intoxicated while driving an excessive speed near Plainwell on April 26, the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office said in a May 22 news release.

Deputies said Boss sideswiped a truck traveling the opposite direction and lost control of his truck. He is accused of driving off the roadway and “striking several people” before his truck came to a rest in shallow water.

The victims were the Seifrieds, according to Matthew Seifried, a father who said he was watching the sunset with his family when they were struck.

Lucia Iris Seifried, the 8-month-old victim, died from her injuries in a hospital, according to the sheriff. Her father, who WWMT reported was also hospitalized, said Lucia had been playing in the grass.

Allegan County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Winsemius said during a May 22 arraignment that Boss was driving with a “blood alcohol content more than double the legal limit,” WWMT reported.

Ross was charged with second-degree murder, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death and reckless driving causing death, authorities said. He and a passenger was also treated for injuries in a hospital.

Playing in the grass was among Lucia’s joys in her young life, according to her obituary. She also enjoyed “giggling during peek-a-boo games, or dancing with her lively ‘bossy girl’ moves” to showcase her “pure joy” spirit.

“Lucia was a radiant presence, a sweet spirit who brought joy and laughter into the lives of all she touched in her brief, yet impactful journey,” the obituary says.

Plainwell is a northern suburb of Kalamazoo.