A woman previously convicted of a negligent homicide involving her Saturn Ion was cleared after General Motors stated the problem might have been with the GM vehicle.

GM later recalled other Saturn Ions, and other GM vehicles, for a faulty GM ignition switch that often led to airbag failure. It is believed that it was the disabled airbag that led to the death of passenger Mikale E. and to the severe injury of recently-cleared driver Candice A.

Candice was driving her 2004 Saturn Ion on Nov. 15, 2004 in east Texas when the vehicle suddenly veered off of the road and hit a tree. The airbags failed to deploy, which was allegedly unusual at the time. Candice reportedly experienced severe liver, rib, and head injuries, and the accident killed her boyfriend, Mikale.

Candice pled guilty to criminally negligent homicide in 2007, a felony charge. She served five years of probation, served over 250 hours of community service, and paid $2,500 in fines.

GM Ignition Switch Recall

However, nearly 10 years after the accident, GM issued a recall of well over a million vehicles due to ignition switch failure. The ignition switch would be suddenly change to the “off” position. This would cause airbag failure as well as problems using the anti-lock brakes.

Candice’s lawyer brought a letter from GM before Judge Teresa Drum, stating that the GM ignition switch, “may have caused or contributed to the frontal airbag non-deployment” in the accident. The statement from GM was enough for Judge Drum to clear Candice. Judge Drum stated, “[Candice] pled guilty to a crime for which she was not at fault.”

Candice’s attorney said that GM has never before taken responsibility for an individual’s death.

Thousands of claims have been made against GM for the GM ignition switch. Mikale was one of many individuals who allegedly died because of ignition switch problem.

Mikale’s family is hoping to find closure after the case is finally put to rest. Candice said that she felt relieved after the hearing, saying that she felt “the weight lifted off my shoulders.”

Reports have suggested that GM was aware of the ignition switch failure for years. Indeed, Judge Drum wrote in her case decision, “GM had evidence that would have demonstrated [Candice’s] actual innocence and identified the true culprit and cause of the accident — General Motors.”

GM reportedly offered Candice’s and Mikale’s family settlements, which were accepted.

GM Ignition Switch Lawsuit

GM is currently part of a GM ignition switch recall class action lawsuit investigation. They are also under investigation for their recall process, including questioning why it took so long to alert the public of the ignition switch defect.

Thousands of GM ignition switch lawsuits have been filed against GM from individuals who claim to have experienced severe injuries from the ignition switch failure. Families of loved ones who have allegedly died due to the GM ignition switch defect have also filed GM lawsuits.

Various makes and models of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Saturn have been a part of the GM ignition switch recall.