A man accused of driving the vehicle that killed a 6 month old and sent another to the hospital has been formally charged with hit and run in Indianapolis.
The accident happened as a mother, her boyfriend, and 6 month old Adrianne Marlette were walking on 21st street. Michael Sinton was pushing the stroller when he and the stroller were hit. He was hospitalized and Adrianne died the following day.
John Daughtry left the scene of the accident and is seen on video later parking and exiting his vehicle, stumbling away. The prosecutor believes Daughtry was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
He now faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and an additional charge of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury. Both of these charges are serious felonies can carry lengthy potential prison sentences.
The vehicle used in the accident was registered to Daughtry’s parents and police investigating the accident found skin and hair in the exterior of the car, helping the prosecution to build their case.
Typically people leave the scene of an accident because they are frightened, panic, or simply don’t understand the rules. In other cases, a person might fear speaking to the police because they may have been driving under the influence or knew they had an outstanding warrant.
Although hit and run cases can be difficult for police, this particular case seems to have left Daughtry with some serious evidence stacked against him.
The fact is, there is a legal requirement for you to stop your vehicle after being involved in an accident, even if you don’t think anyone has been hurt. Facing charges of hit and run after being caught only makes an already stressful situation worse.
A hit and run charge where no injuries occur is a misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail. A hit and run that results in injuries, however, is considered a class D felony and can carry up to 3 years in prison.
Facing charges like these can be frightening and nerve wracking, especially if you are unsure of how to handle your next move. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I can assist you in determining which move is the right one.
Call our defense lawyers today to discuss your charges.