Fatal crash suspect told police vehicle ‘bewitched,’ ‘controlled by Satan,’ records show

Baltimore, MD (WBFF) — The suspect in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Baltimore City told investigators Satan took control of his vehicle, according to court documents.

Michael Manigo, 31, of Baltimore is facing several charges including first degree murder, second degree murder, reckless endangerment and negligent manslaughter.

Manigo waived his bond hearing in Baltimore City District Court January 12.

According to investigators, back on January 4 detectives arrested Manigo after officers found him inside of a disabled vehicle that had been caught on surveillance earlier that day, striking a pedestrian as he crossed McCullough Street at West North Avenue.

The victim was rushed to an area hospital while Manigo was arrested on attempted murder charges.

During an initial interview investigators wrote Manigo admitted to hitting the victim.

In the initial statement of charges investigators said Manigo also advised he didn’t know the man and that his vehicle was ‘bewitched’ and ‘controlled by Satan.’

On January 7 the victim, identified by BPD as Phillip Jones, succumbed to his injuries.

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Investigators then announced Manigo was now facing first and second-degree murder charges.

According to court documents, investigators wrote Manigo intentionally struck Jones, noting surveillance video.

Investigators wrote Jones was seen walking across the parking lot of the gas station and the defendant’s vehicle appeared to be following, making a left onto west north avenue in the wrong lane of on-coming traffic then another quick left turn onto McCullough Street, driving the wrong way on the one-way street.

After striking Jones, investigators wrote, the driver got out of the car, looked at the victim, then got back into the car and fled the scene.

Investigators noted the driver’s clothes matched the clothing Manigo was wearing during the time of his arrest.

Court records show Manigo had three open warrants for his arrest at the time of the fatal crash, including two unserved warrants in Baltimore City and one unserved warrant out of Baltimore County.

Manigo remains in custody with a preliminary hearing scheduled for next month.