More charges filed in Muncie Bypass crash that killed 1-year-old, caused pregnant woman to lose unborn child

MUNCIE, Ind. — A drunk driving crash on the Muncie Bypass in May 2024 led to the death of a 1-year-old boy and caused a five-month pregnant woman to lose her unborn child.

Previous reports detail how Jaden Vance, 21, was arrested in the aftermath of the crash. At the time of that report, Vance faced charges relating to the death of his nephew — a 1-year-old boy who was in the vehicle Vance was accused of driving.

But on Feb. 12, Vance was hit with additional charges after a pregnant woman lost her unborn child as a result of the crash. Vance now faces 11 felonies including neglect of a dependant resulting in death, a Level 1 felony, and causing death while operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a Level 4 felony.

Vance isn’t alone in facing criminal charges relating to the death of his nephew. The boy’s mother, Jezlynn Balfour, was also charged on Feb. 12 with one count of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, a Level 1 felony.

According to Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman, Balfour’s charge stems from “neglect of inaction.” Balfour wasn’t behind the wheel but did allow herself and her young child to be driven by an intoxicated Vance, thereby putting the child in harm’s way.

Court documents detail how Vance slammed into a silver Jeep on the night of May 22, 2024. The silver Jeep had a greenlight and was turning onto Cowan Road off the Muncie Bypass when Vance failed to yield and collided with the vehicle.

The driver of the silver Jeep was a woman who was five months pregnant. She suffered serious injuries and lost the unborn child as a result of the crash.

Police arriving on scene found Balfour holding her 1-year-old son. The boy didn’t respond to touch and was making a gurgling sound. After being rushed to the hospital, the 1-year-old was later pronounced dead.

A breathalyzer test was administered on Vance that reportedly revealed a blood alcohol content of .161%, double the legal limit.

In Indiana, a Level 1 felony carries a prison sentence of up to 40 years on a conviction.