Residents in a Wixom neighborhood are speaking up about backyard flooding concerns. They say it's causing erosion, trash issues and poses a risk to public safety.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report: Wixom residents raise flooding, erosion concerns after school construction

Their concerns point to runoff from a newly built school and parking lot across the road.

Mike Hilverding said his land along a drainage ditch is literally washing away.

You can see the erosion that Ive experienced right here and these are going to be very costly repairs. Very, very costly repairs. The city is being cooperative about assisting in a temporary reclamation here while theyre coming up with a full plan, he explained.

The big question for neighbors is "why now?" Hilverding has a theory about what changed in the landscape.

"Our fingers are pointing to the runoff from the new high school. The high school has moved this way and instead of having ground saturation, we now have flat parking lot runoff," he explained.

The new Walled Lake Western High School is on Beck Road across from the homes. Hilverding took that concern to the Walled Lake School Board meeting Thursday night.

The drain leading into the neighborhood empties into the ditch in Andrew Supanichs backyard.

Any sort of significant rain, its bringing street trash, cigarette butts, plastic bags. You name it, its probably been in my backyard. You can guess why that'd probably be problematic with my son, whos 2 years old. So, we gotta watch out for that and make sure that its constantly cleaned," he said.

Supanich said the force of the water has become evident over time.

The width that it is now, it is much narrower than it was two years ago. That dip in the yard is deeper now, he explained.

Hilverding said, Our erosion, our reduced property values, thats one thing... Imagine if a small dog got in there or a small child got in there. Its now a public safety issue."

7 News Detroit reached out to the Walled Lake school district regarding the neighbors' concerns. In a statement, the district said:

The district became aware of the matter referenced during last nights board of education meeting. Our team will be reviewing the situation and gathering additional information to determine our next steps.

Construction starts Friday on soundwall projects in Troy, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. It's a two-year project that spans 2.7 miles of northbound I-75.

Two soundwalls will be installed. One will be located from Wattles Road to Long Lake road and the other from Crooks Road to Coolidge Highway.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Northbound I-75 soundwall work set to begin in Troy

Jon Crisan lives behind a section of I-75 that isn't a part of the project. However, he's advocated for one to be installed in back of his neighborhood.

In response to the work that is being done, Crisan told 7 News Detroit "I have friends and co-workers who live on that side, and I know that they are really looking forward to being able to enjoy (the soundwall)."

In a news release, MDOT stated: "Multiple lane closures will be restricted to off-peak hours on weekdays and at all times on weekends until the new traffic configuration is complete."

Drivers can expect lane closures as crews prepare to install temporary barriers.

The work that's supposed to start Friday is "weather permitting."

Waterford Township increased its contribution to help residents pay for street repaving. The change occurred last week.

The township will now cover 25% of the repaving costs. That's up from 10%, and the contribution is through the continued use of federal ARPA funds.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Waterford Township increases paving payout to tackle neighborhood 'craters'

Some large potholes have earned such a reputation in Eric Akkashian's neighborhood that residents have actually given them nicknames.

Akkashian and his son tried to make the best of a bumpy situation. But for most in his Waterford Township neighborhood, the craters are a constant headache.

Were just riding through all the potholes. Theres some puddles. They do make great puddles," he said. My son and I, we have some names for 'em. Weve got the 'quadruplets' over there and the 'giga-hole' over here. And thats a nice big puddle over there.

The puddles might be fun on a bike, but for vehicles, they are a financial drain. Akkashian said the road has already taken a bite out of his wallet.

Messed up my car, so that was $500 a pop. Yeah, its wear and tear on the cars, he said.

Heather Dunn just learned that lesson the hard way. Her vehicle is currently in the shop after a run-in with a water-covered crater.

So, my tire clipped it, and now its in the shop. I had to get it towed," she explained. Alternator's broke.

It's a repair bill that is anything but cheap.

About $3,000. I had to make a claim, and its considered collision. Hitting a potholes considered collision," Dunn said.

Watch Darren Cunningham's January report when the township was considering a proposal for the funding: New proposal unveiled to fix Waterford Township pothole nightmare

In Waterford, subdivision streets are a "pay-to-play" system. To get one repaved, a majority of neighbors on the street must agree to a special assessment district. That often costs homeowners tens of thousands of dollars.

Our neighborhood always argues over fixing the roads. But its quite expensive because its, like you said, a special assessment. So, it becomes like $20,000 investment, Akkashian said. So, nobody can afford it."

In January, 7 News Detroit spoke with Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta about a plan to lower that barrier. Last week, township officials voted to increase the contribution to repaving projects.

In response, Akkashian said, that would probably help. I dont know if it would help enough for some people because its still probably a pretty big chunk of change.

Imagine your car is stolen right out of your driveway. You report it and after a month, you count it a loss and settle with insurance.

Months later, you find out the car was never really "missing" at all.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Detroit police recovered stolen car same day, didn't tell owner for 6 months

It happened to a woman from Ferndale.

On Sept. 14, 2025, Sharon Crane's 2015 Hyundai Sonata disappeared from her driveway. Surveillance footage captures a car pulling up, someone got out and stole it in a matter of seconds.

"I came out and I was in shock and disbelief," Crane recalled.

The 64-year-old retiree said Ferndale police came over right away and took a police report.

And I hadnt heard anything, no sightings or anything and I called them a couple times and they hadnt heard anything either," she recalled.

After a month, her insurance counted it as a loss and paid her $8,900 in October. About two weeks ago, Crane said she got an unexpected call from Ferndale police.

They said that my car had been found in Detroit, she said.

Six months later, Crane learned her car had been found on Griggs Avenue near 7 Mile Road in Detroit, about 2 miles from her home.

But when she looked at the Detroit Police Department's investigative report, the bittersweet relief turned to pure disgust.

The police report shows DPD recovered it the same day it disappeared from her driveway.

Why did it take 6 months to let me know?" Crane asked. "They knew about the car, they had the car before I even knew it was stolen."

While her insurance rates were likely spiking, her car sat untouched in a Detroit police impound lot. Her belongings were still inside. The car was in perfect condition. But because six months had passed and the insurance company had already paid the claim. Crane no longer owned her car.

"Now it goes to auction. Cause I called my insurance when I found out they found it, seeing what I could do and she said now it goes to auction," Crane explained.

And I have to bid on it like anybody else if I want it back.

So, where was the disconnect? Ferndale police took the report, but Detroit police recovered the vehicle.

"And that's the reason I reached out to you is if it happened to me, how many other people did it happen to?" Crane said.

7 News Detroit reached out to DPD. A spokesperson said systems and processes are in place to make sure owners are notified the moment a vehicle is recovered. The department is looking into this situation to see how it was handled.

On Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pay Transportation Security Administration employees. This move comes after Congress failed to agree on funding the Department of Homeland Security.

According to the executive order, TSA employees are now to be paid with other funds and payments could go out as early as Monday.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Detroit Metro travelers head to spring break as Trump signs TSA pay order

It's pending relief for TSA agents and travelers, with spring break travel in full swing. For Jenna Elliotts family, getting through Detroit Metro Airport on Friday was smooth sailing.

"We checked in advance what DTW was looking like for the TSA lines, and it looked normal. So, we really didnt allow any extra time," she explained.

She and her kids, Ben and Ruby, are heading south for a milestone trip on their spring break.

"We going to Dallas, Texas for our first time ever. Weve never been to Texas before," Elliott told 7 News Detroit.

They aren't the only ones chasing the sun. Denise Klimaszewski and her family are headed to Miami for a spring break cruise. She said she had a backup plan just in case the TSA funding freeze stalled the security checkpoints.

"We were planning on driving if it was going to be really bad, but Im very grateful its not," Klimaszewski said.

Related video: Trump signs memo ordering paychecks for TSA workers Trump signs memorandum directing payment for TSA workers

The Young family also played it safe by arriving early to beat any potential gridlock. They, too, relied on technology.

"The app lets us know how long we might be in line, Erica Young said.

Despite their preparation, they hit a different kind of snag.

"I just found out my plane is delayed," Anthony Young chuckled.

Its unclear exactly why that flight was held up, but theyre taking it in stride as travel woes continue at airports nationwide. While DTW appears to have avoided the nightmare lines for now, the people behind the scanners are feeling a much tighter squeeze.

TSA employees have been working without a paycheck for over 40 days now.

"We officers live paycheck to paycheck. The bills are not taking a break from this," Gregory Simpkins, a TSA agent and the president of AFGE Local 778, said.

He said while the political maneuvering continues in Washington, the reality on the ground in Detroit is much more urgent.

"I do understand what Congress is trying to do. I do understand the reason behind it. But my people who are standing behind me dont understand. OK, so Im their advocate. I want us to be paid immediately. But in the meantime, Im telling my folks to come to work until they cant come to work," Simpkins explained.

"Hopefully, when we come back next week, everything will be cleared up," Klimaszewski said.

Simpkins said the union is holding a food bank this Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31. It's happening from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Local 900 UAW hall in Wayne. The address is 38200 Michigan Avenue, Wayne, MI.

He said the public is welcome to come by, support and donate non-perishable food items.

Gas cards with a $20 limit will be given to TSA agents.

The union is also accepting donations from the public in the form of gift cards to stores and restaurants to help agents stay afloat. The value can be up to $20 for the gift cards. However, they are not accepting Visa gift cards and they are not accepting cash.

Parents in Bloomfield Hills attended Monday night's school board meeting to address the upcoming closure of the district's early childhood education program.

Families with infants and toddlers who are in the program said its back to square one trying to find day care, after the school board announced it'll end in June due to budget constraints. That decision came in February.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Bloomfield Hills parents ask school board to reconsider day care closures

Bethany Schwartz said she has two daughters whove gone through the program and another child currently in the program.

It was just a huge shock to find out we had three months to find child care and reasonably priced child care," she said. Were on waitlists, but there are no guarantees that well be able to get in anywhere. My husband and I both work, and were not sure what were gonna do. Even to get into this program, we were on a waitlist for more than 10 months.

Patrick Kuptz said he moved from Grosse Pointe Park to get his child into the program.

We were told it was shut down, shutting down pretty unceremoniously. Basically, there was an email, he recalled. Really tonight, were just hoping that they might consider bringing it up at a future board meeting now that they have the correct information about the long-term impact that this will have on this community.

Kuptz said he has questions for the board.

Why are we running a deficit? Where are we running a deficit? Are we not charging families enough? Kuptz said.

Monday night, school board leaders did address the issue ahead of public comment.

Board President Tareq Falah told the audience, We know that every level of early childhood education is critically important. We know that allowing people to have decisions for their families is critically important to our community. So, it wasnt an easy decision for us and it doesnt lessen the impact of these decisions on families and staff.

He said early childhood education programs in Michigan are "the most costly to operate, the least publicly funded and the most difficult to sustain."

We are still trying to work with families. We are still trying to work with staff. I know Superintendent West and his team are working diligently to try to do that," Falah said.

During the meeting, Superintendent Rick West said a review has taken place since the decision to end the program. He said accommodations have been made for 12 students who are approaching the 30 months of age cutoff for preschool and that the program will be extended for them through December.

On Thursday, the city of Detroit announced plans to install 3,000 streetlights in an effort to improve safety.

Thomas and Karen Lett have called Rossini Drive home for more than three decades. It goes without saying, theyve seen the neighborhood change, but one thing that has not improved is the view from their front porch after dark.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Detroit mayor: 3,000 street lights to be installed in the city

Its real dark around here because (theres no light pole) in the middle of the block and these side streets here," Thomas said.

The problem stems back to 2014 and 2015, when the city relighting project removed thousands of secondary poles. On blocks like Lett's, it created "dead zones" where the lights on the corners just dont reach. For Lett, that darkness is an open invitation for trouble.

My concern is people just hiding out when its dark, cause weve had people breaking in and robbing folks at 2, 3 oclock in the morning when they're going to work over the years," he explained.

After sunset on Thursday evening, while gathered in front of a home where a streetlight used to be, Mayor Mary Sheffield signed an executive order directing the Public Lighting Authority to restore that security.

"Tonight, I am proud to announce the "Brighten up the Block" initiative," Sheffield said.

She said it's about improving safety and quality of life for residents.

Its a promise the mayor made on the campaign trail. Sheffield said the plan is to install 3,000 lights and that it'll be funded through a bond secured by the lighting authority.

The Public Lighting Authority said they will begin the installations this summer.

To reach the city about the initiative, you can find a list of contacts on the Department of Neighborhoods page at this link.

Hannan Lis and his wife Lisa's roots are in Michigan. But he said they moved to Tel Aviv Israel's capital during COVID-19 to be closer to their kids and grandkids. That's where he said missile strikes have become periodically routine but still deadly.

"The closest (missile strike) be about less than a mile, during the war in June," Lis recalled.

Watch the video reports below: Michigan couple living in Israel share experiences amid conflict with Iran Michigan couple living in Israel share experiences amid conflict with Iran

For that reason, as soon as our interview started, we had to cut it short.

Unfortunately, in about a few minutes, well have to go into the safe room," he explained to 7 News Detroit.

During the interview, Lis received a notification that a missile was headed towards Israel.

This is a missile from Iran," he said. "It's something that we knew this day will come," Lis said.

On Saturday when the war between Iran and Israel and the United States started, he said he headed to the safe room, or bomb shelter, about 10 times that day. His wife chronicles her experience on social media.

"Weve had this (chaos) since Oct. 7," he said.

Oct. 7, 2023, is the day war broke out between Israel and Hamas. He said Israelis have made use of apps that alert them to missiles launched in their direction ever since.

Oh, it just went off. Sirens just went off. So, I got to go. Talk to you later," he said.

After 15 minutes in his safe room, Lis messaged 7 News Detroit that it was safe for him to resume the interview.

"We heard the interception. Theres an impact. It depends on how close it is. You hear the impacts," he explained. Almost all the missiles do get intercepted."

If we didnt have the interceptors to intercept them, youll have thousands of people injured or killed," he added.

Related video: Downriver couple stranded in Maldives as conflict in the Middle East continues Flat Rock couple stranded overseas amid Iran conflict

Despite ongoing wars, he and his wife are staying put in Israel, but they do return to Michigan during the summer months.

"Whatever we have to do to survive to eliminate the threat, we'll do. So, we're willing to endure this week or two of conflict," Lis said.

It's anyone's guess how long this conflict could last. Last June, Iran and Israel fought during what's known as the 12-Day War.

The city of Ann Arbor is considering retiring its outdoor warning sirens and is asking the community for input. 

According to the city, Ann Arbor has 22 outdoor warning sirens, which have reportedly been used twice in the past five years.

Watch the video report below: Ann Arbor considers retiring outdoor warning sirens, asks for community feedback

The city says the system is in need of repairs and maintenance, with $60,000 expected to be needed for repairs over the next three years and roughly $17,000 needed annually for maintenance. 

There are now ways to reach people with clearer warning information, including through their cell phones, the citys website reads.

7 News Detroit spoke with several residents who live near one of the sirens and got their take about the idea of retiring the system.

The city sends emails, but if youre not on email, youre not going to pick up on that. So, I think the siren is the way to do it, Brian, an Ann Arbor resident, said.

Another resident, Sameer Gudel said, I personally have not benefited from them (the sirens).

The city notes that decommissioning the sirens would not eliminate warnings and that they would expand communication on how people could receive alerts in various ways.

I think it could be harmful if its not there," resident Callie Drohan told 7 News Detroit. Kids play soccer around here in the parks, and people might not know that theres a storm coming in."

The city said the last time they were used was in July of 2023.

I didnt know that they werent used that much. But I mean, if theyre not being used that often, then maybe they can go and we can save the money and put it somewhere else, resident Daniel Esterkin said.

The city has posted a survey on its website, which will be open for the month of March.

For the survey and more details, click here.

A Taylor resident was arrested and charged after a police chase in Huron Township ended at a landfill in Carleton, damaged property and more.

According to the Huron Township Police Department, Taylor police requested assistance for a vehicle with an armed suspect who was being pursued.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Dashcam video shows chase that ended at Wayne County landfill; suspect had 9 guns in the car

The driver had called their department, threatened to shoot officers and racking guns in the background," Chief Everette Robbins told 7 News Detroit.

Felt like it was a dangerous pursuit for a minute, so we initially terminated it," he said.

"The driver got up to speeds of 90 to a hundred miles an hour, at many times crossing over in the center lane."

See the dashcam and bodycam video below Dash cam video shows chase that ended at Wayne County landfill; suspect had 9 guns in the car

Officers assisted and the pursuit continued and was initially terminated; however, the suspect went into the 37000 block of Ash Road and stopped.

As officers approached, the suspect fled the scene and attempted to run over an officer. She also damaged multiple fences in the area.

Resident Holli Eramo recalled, "There were like 10 Huron cops in the driveway with their guns drawn, and he (my son) seen someone go by about 80 miles an hour. He was kinda scared."

She said she was "kind of shocked because that stuff doesnt go on around here.

The chase then continued and the suspect eventually drove into the Carleton Farms Landfill, where she attempted to ram multiple police vehicles. Eventually, she was blocked in and taken into custody.

Officers Ali Nahli and Hailey Briggs said in high-intensity moments, they allow their training to kick in.

"Adrenalines going. Very intense. Youre not sure of the outcome," Nahil told 7 News Detroit.

Briggs explained, You kinda gotta coach yourself through the situation, what's happening in front of us and listening to the radio.

On the other end of the radio was dispatcher Corrina Schear.

"Things like this don't happen very frequently in our department, which I think we're all very fortunate that they don't, but when they do, I think we all work really well together to make sure everybody gets home safe," she explained.

Police said three officers sustained minor injuries and they were treated at the scene.

When police searched the suspect's vehicle, they found nine guns inside, a mixture of handguns and rifles with scopes.

"I think that the thought maybe it was a mental health episode. We received information later that there were at least three prior pursuits with other departments over the last few days, that they had attempted to get her some help," Robbins said.

Romulus leaders unanimously passed a resolution opposing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility plan Monday night after demonstrators clashed outside before a city council meeting.

The council approved the resolution, stating the facility would be a drag on the city.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Romulus leaders pass resolution opposing ICE detention facility plan after protest Watch Ryan Marshall's video report below: Romulus leaders pass resolution opposing ICE detention facility plan after protest

Citizens showed up to Romulus City Hall en masse, voicing their opposition. Before the meeting, protesters who gathered outside city hall to push back against the plan were met by counter-protesters and there was pushing, shoving and shouting matches. Protesters yelled "Nazis go home," at the counter-protesters.

"We have to let them know what's going on here is not right," one protester told 7 News Detroit.

Watch video from outside city hall below: Protesters and counter-protesters clash over Romulus ICE detention facility plan

Federal immigration officials purchased a vacant building in Romulus with a plan to convert it into a detention facility, sparking concern among residents and local officials about the project's impact on the community.

The facility would be housed in the former Gage Marketing Group headquarters. ICE says the project will create nearly 1,500 jobs and contribute $160 million to the GDP while roughly $33 million in tax revenue.

Watch our previous coverage about the plan below: ICE facility plan in Romulus sparks concern as officials tout economic impact

However, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, who attended the rally, says the facility is a detriment.

"It's horrifying, especially when you learn that ICE outbid an auto supplier," McMorrow said.

Only about 30 to 40 community members got into the meeting because the room was at capacity.

The crowd outside chanted let us in. The crowd inside was pleased to hear the council pass a resolution opposing the detention center.

Whereas, the existence of a detention center within the city of Romulus would have direct negative implications for local public safety, municipal services, land use capabilities and economic development, Romulus City Councilwoman Celeste Roscoe said during the meeting.

It was welcome news from those who went to make their voice heard.

And I think thats proof that this works. We mobilize, we stood out here, we chanted, we fought back and were going to hit them in every single area we can, said Zane Parker, a protester.

Yet, some are not convinced it goes far enough.

It will take a lot more of that, of mass mobilization, strikes, walkouts, direct action to actually stop this from happening, said Kate Stenvig, another protester.

During the meeting, Mayor Robert McCraight said the city will not issue a permit or a certificate of occupancy unless mandated by a federal judge to do so.

We reached out to the U.S. Department of Human Services following the resolution but have not yet heard back.

A Detroit man said a routine walk hes made hundreds of times to and from his apartment building turned violent last Monday. He and his fiancee are now looking for a sense of safety and justice.

The reported attack happened in the skywalk of the New Center parking garage on Lothrop Street on Feb. 9 around 7 p.m. The skywalk connects the parking garage to his apartment building.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Man recalls attack in Detroit skywalk resulting in stolen, totaled vehicle

They were just kicking indiscriminately my head, my back, my side, everywhere. I was just sort of curled up in a fetal position doing my best to block any blows," Chad recalled.

He shared images of the bruises and scratches he said four youth inflicted.

They said get em, and they jumped on me. They said where are your keys? Give me your keys," the man recalled.

Chad said he ran back into the garage, the group pinned him down and thats when the kicking started.

They stole his cellphone before tossing it, his wallet and his keys. A couple of hours after reporting the assault to police. He and his fiancee, Emily, said they got a knock on the door.

The first thing I thought was who is it? Because they had my wallet. They had my address, Chad recalled.

It was Detroit police.

They said Um yeah, they took your car and its completely totaled. Its really bad. Its going to need to be towed," Emily told 7 News Detroit.

They learned the teens had stolen the vehicle and crashed it into a pole after a chase with Detroit police around 9 p.m. Emily said the traumatic event has put her and her fianc in deeper financial bind, and it's added insult to the injuries the suspect's inflicted. They say they're paying hundreds of dollars for a rental vehicle, and now they've started a GoFundMe.

A neighbor found his wallet, and they later learned Chad's cellphone was tossed on the second floor of the parking garage. A security guard found the phone.

Its really sad because I love Detroit, and its kind of like that stereotype kind of played out on us. Its a tough feeling. I just want him to get justice," she said.

Emily said part of that justice is for the owner of the parking garage, Bedrock Detroit, to take accountability for a security lapse.

The couple said they pay $120 per month to park in that garage.

7 News Detroit reached out to the company about the incident. A Bedrock spokesperson said in a statement:

We are aware of an incident that took place near the new center garage on Monday, February 9, 2026. There is an active investigation underway, and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement. All further inquiries may be directed to the Detroit Police Department."

Im just going to keep my eyes out for loiterers. Thats a weird thing to say but, ya know, thats the people that got me. They were just loitering, and Im going to keep my head on a swivel," Chad said.

Detroit police told 7 News Detroit a warrant packet has been submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office, which will then determine any charges.

Dearborn police want help identifying a man who they say installed a card skimmer on an ATM at the Bank of America branch on Warren Avenue and Hartwell this week.

Investigators say it's not the first time that same machine has been hit.

Dearborn police chief Issa Shahin explained, "A skimming device is something that is inserted, generally, into the ATM machine, and it's going to capture your banking information so that someone can then access your bank account and try to steal your funds."

For many local customers, the discovery is a frustrating reminder of a problem they're seeing all over metro Detroit.

"They been doing that at the gas stations too. When you put your tap in," customer Jaanna Glenn told 7 News Detroit. "I'm not surprised at all, but I wish they stop doing it cause it's hard for people who actually work and pay they bills. When we come, try and get our money, and you done took it."

Israel Omoniyi said, "People doing stuff like this, it just make it hard for people, hardworking people. I work 12-hour shifts. Yeah, it's unfair."

Chief Shahin said this is the second time this specific ATM has been hit in just a matter of weeks. In both cases, he said the skimmers were discovered by an ATM technician.

"It is really bold. Oftentimes, when we've had these similar incidents, they're usually organized crime rings from outside our local area. Ya know, your average person doesn't know how to do these things," he explained.

So far, the chief said no losses have been reported to police. But to protect yourself, he suggests you wiggle the card reader before inserting your card. If it feels loose or looks out of place, then don't use it and of course, report it.

When asked what she'd say to the thief, Glenn's replied, "Go get a job. Go get a job and leave us regular people alone."

Omoniyi said, "If you helping these type of people, speak up cause they'll steal from you too."

Police also suggest shielding the keypad while typing your pin number, in case thieves have hidden a camera nearby. Anyone with information on the case should call Dearborn police at 313-943-3030.

At his pre-trial conference Thursday, suspected murderer Jarvis Butts pleaded guilty to killing Na'Ziyah Harris, 13. He will serve 35 to 60 years in prison minimum.

Even with a confession in hand, Na'Ziyah's family said they are not finished fighting. They are now calling for a deeper investigation into the systems and individuals they believe paved the way for this tragedy.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: 'The signs were there': Na'Ziyah Harris' family demands further accountability

"Knowing something, feeling something, and then having it confirmed, its a different type of pain," Kewana Morton, Na'Ziyah's cousin, told 7 News Detroit.

Investigators believe Butts killed Na'Ziyah to cover his tracks after impregnating her. As part of a plea deal, Butts also pleaded guilty to five other cases of sexual assault.

"He will serve that 60 years if we have anything to do with it. He will die in prison," Jernell Smith-Holland, Na'Ziyah's great aunt, told 7 News Detroit.

Previous coverage: Final witnesses takes the stand in Jarvis Butts' preliminary hearing Final witnesses takes the stand in Jarvis Butts' preliminary hearing

She said she wanted to see a life sentence but believes getting him off the streets is a win for his other young victims currently grappling with trauma. However, the familys focus is now shifting toward accountability for those who failed to protect the 13-year-old.

"Jarvis was not the only person at fault. She would have never been in his hands if she hadn't been neglected or endangered. The signs were there; the warnings and complaints were there. CPS has the complaints. Detroit police have the complaints," Smith-Holland said.

CPS has acknowledged that prior complaints were submitted. Detroit police also admitted to 7 News Detroit that the department failed to investigate a 2022 claim that butts had touched Na'Ziyah inappropriately.

Previous coverage: Years before Na'Ziyah Harris murder case, CPS warned repeatedly about alleged killer Years before Na'Ziyah Harris murder case, CPS warned repeatedly about alleged killer

"The people responsible for NaZiyah lied. They need to be held responsible just as much as Jarvis. We have other children who may go back into the hands of the people who put them in harms way. We cannot do this. Im tired of the ball being dropped," Smith-Holland said.

While Butts has confessed, Na'Ziyah's body has still not been recovered. 7 News Detroit spoke with legal expert Todd Perkins about the details of the plea deal.

"My understanding is that, in order to take advantage of this plea, information had to have already been provided," Perkins said.

Previous coverage: DPD never investigated 2022 claim involving Na'Ziyah Harris and alleged killer DPD never investigated 2022 claim involving Na'Ziyah Harris and alleged killer

He offered a word of encouragement to the family as they continue to push for accountability.

The squeaky wheel gets the oil. Dont stop. I think about the mothers who have lost kids where nothing was done, but they just dont stop and eventually, something breaks," Perkins said.

Smith-Holland replied, "Thank you very much. We don't plan on stopping. We're going to keep moving forward."

Butts is scheduled for sentencing on March 12.

Students at the University of Michigan are mourning the death of 19-year-old Lucas Mattson. His body was found on Cambridge Road near Washtenaw Avenue in the freezing temperatures on Saturday.

"Its undeniably a tragedy," sophomore Blake Becker said.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: University of Michigan students mourn death of classmate found in freezing temperatures

Sophomore Riley Maczik told 7 News Detroit, I was really upset about it. A lot of my friends were at the same venue that Lucas was at, so its really sad to see that that could literally happen to anybody. It doesnt matter who you are (or) where youre at.

Sophomore Matthew Like said, We have sense of community, even with people you dont know at the university. So to see anyone, even if you dont know them personally from your community pass like that, its tragic.

Ann Arbor police said Mattson was last seen walking on Hill Street around 1 a.m. on Friday after leaving a party at Delta Chi fraternity. According to investigators, he didnt have on a coat in the frigid temperatures and wasn't reported missing until about 15 hours later.

The search began and Mattsons body was found at 12:05 p.m. on Saturday on Cambridge. He was located around the corner from Delta Chi.

Police said it appears he died of exposure to the frigid temperatures, but theyre working to learn an exact cause of death. An autopsy was scheduled to take place Monday.

Its just really heartbreaking, Maczik said.

The University of Michigan said Mattson was not a member of Delta Chi nor was he a pledge of the fraternity, but he was a guest at the party.

In that same letter to the campus community, university President Domenico Grasso said:

We must let the investigators complete their work and refrain from speculation until the facts are known.

He went on to say hes instructed the

vice president for student life and executive director of public safety and security to retrace the events that occurred this weekend. We want to better understand what transpired and identify possible steps to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Maczik said, We always need to hold each other accountable. Make sure you never leave anywhere alone. Like its unsafe no matter where youre at and just make sure youre always there for your friends and talk to somebody when they need anything.

The university has counselors on hand for anyone who needs support.

7 News Detroit spoke with Mattsons grandmother who was too distraught to do an interview. We learned he was an engineering student from Alaska.