Man Charged With Manslaughter in 2022 Fatal Crash

A Birmingham man faces a manslaughter charge following a fatal 2022 hit-and-run incident on I-65.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Crime — General

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a monolithic elevated highway, evoking the somber nature of a fatal legal case. — Malique Corteze McKeithen faces a manslaughter charge for a 2022 hit-and-run on Birmingham’s I-65 that resulted in the death of Martin Michael Cruse. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Malique Corteze McKeithen has been charged with manslaughter in connection to the 2022 death of 42-year-old Martin Michael Cruse. The charges follow an investigation into a crash that occurred on I-65 at Green Springs Avenue South.

Why it matters

The charges address the fatal collision that occurred while the victim was walking in a travel lane nearly four years ago. Legal proceedings are now moving forward following the suspect's recent booking.

Malique Corteze McKeithen was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on September 28, 2026, and subsequently released after posting a $30,000 bond.

The players

Malique Corteze McKeithen

He is the individual charged with manslaughter in connection to a fatal 2022 motor vehicle collision.

Martin Michael Cruse

He was the 42-year-old victim who died following a crash on I-65 in Birmingham.

Jefferson County Jail

This is the detention facility where the suspect was processed and booked following the filing of charges.

The details

Charging documents allege that McKeithen was driving in excess of the posted speed limit when he struck Cruse, who was walking in a travel lane. The victim was pronounced dead at 5:59 a.m. on the morning of the collision.

November 6, 2022: Martin Michael Cruse was struck and killed in a crash.
September 28, 2026: Malique Corteze McKeithen was booked into jail and released on bond.

Legal Context

This case follows the established procedural patterns of the 2022 Birmingham I-65 fatal collision investigation. It highlights the long-term pursuit of accountability for vehicular fatalities in the Birmingham jurisdiction.

The formal charges signal that the investigation into the 2022 incident has progressed, which may lead to upcoming court hearings regarding the fatal collision. Residents should be aware that police continue to monitor traffic safety protocols along the I-65 corridor.

The takeaway

Drivers are reminded that exceeding speed limits in high-traffic corridors significantly increases the risk of fatal encounters with pedestrians. This case underscores the enduring nature of police investigations into past traffic fatalities.