College student arrested in death of Detroit woman who died trying to escape beating

Jet, Sept 11, 1995

Acollege student in Detroit recently was charged with second-degree murder in the death of a woman who died trying to escape an alleged attack by him.

Deletha Word, 33, drowned after jumping off the Belle Isle bridge in an apparent attempt to escape 19-year-old Martell Welch, who reportedly was enraged because Word hit his car during a minor traffic accident, authorities say.

Two men jumped in after Word-who could not swim--but she reportedly resisted their efforts, witnesses said. Some speculate the woman may have been too afraid to trust the men.

The tragic circumstances leading up to Word's death happened about 3 a.m. as the woman was involved in a minor collision with Welch's car.

After hitting Welch's car, Word drove onto the bridge that connects Belle Isle to Detroit, and was blocked by heavy traffic, police say. When Welch's car approached Word's car she allegedly put her car into reverse, striking his car again, published reports say.

Police and witnesses say Welch and his two male passengers got out of his car. Welch allegedly proceeded to attack Word's car with a crowbar, before dragging her from the car, ripping her clothes off and hitting her as she resisted.

Authorities say Welch then chased Word with the crowbar as she fled before plunging into the river.

Her body was found miles downstream several hours later, missing a leg which authorities believe was cut off by a boat propeller.

Word's mother, Dortha Word, said it's unbelievable that about 30 spectators watched the alleged attack but didn't try to help. "They are just as guilty as the ones that did it."

Word, the mother of a 13-year-old, worked at a grocery store while studying for a bachelor's degree in marketing at the Detroit College of Business.

Wanda Cal, Welch's attorney, said her client attended Wayne State University and had planned to enter Eastern Michigan University in the fall to study architectural design.

At his arraignment, Welch pleaded not guilty to the charge and bail was set at $1 million. He faces up to life in prison if convicted. At press time, a preliminary hearing was set for September 1.