A Decatur Man is Charged with Murder After a Collision Claimed the Life of a Minor

Following a two-vehicle collision that claimed the life of a minor on Saturday night, Decatur Police say a man has been charged with murder. Officers from the Decatur Police Department and Decatur Fire and Rescue were called to the scene of a collision resulting in injuries at approximately 9:02 PM on Saturday, May 17th. The incident occurred near Beltline Road SW and Westmead Street SW. According to the police, one of the cars was completely engulfed in flames when they arrived. According to officers, a female occupant, 17, was declared deceased at the scene. According to Decatur Police, several people paused to offer assistance in an effort to save the minor before emergency personnel reached the scene of the collision. Unfortunately, one of the citizens was gravely injured when the car exploded while they were assisting. The civilian’s burns were so severe that they were later evacuated to UAB Hospital. Decatur Police said Monday that Kevin Jay Penich had been taken into custody and charged with both murder and DUI in relation to the collision. Penich posted a $250,000 bond and was taken to the Morgan County Jail.