Dental records identify 3 of 4 killed in I-96 crash

Three of four people burned beyond recognition in a fiery motor-vehicle crash last week on Detroit's west side have been identified through dental records, authorities said Monday.

Jermere Howard, 33, Kristen Johnson, 31, both from Detroit, and Bryant Woods, 33, whose address isn't confirmed, were killed in the crash last Tuesday on I-96 and Wyoming, according to the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office. Investigators are also using dental records to identify the fourth victim, a male.

They were all in the same vehicle when it struck a bridge and burst into flames about 10:55 p.m., according to Michigan State Police. The medical examiner's office hasn't yet confirmed cause and manner of death, and further investigation and toxicology results are pending, according to medical examiner spokeswoman Mary Mazur.

Lt. Michael Shaw previously said speed was believed to be a factor in the crash, and the vehicle was eastbound when it hit the Wyoming bridge over I-96. The fire was so severe that police haven't been able to confirm the vehicle's make and model. The license plate was "improper," he said, meaning it was not registered to the vehicle.

Howard's funeral service is to be held at Trinity Chapel, and funeral arrangements are pending for the others.