Indy motorist charged with reckless homicide after alleged drunk driving crash turns deadly

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man has been charged with reckless homicide and driving while intoxicated causing death following a fatal crash on the city’s southwest side.

According to court records, the suspect was driving more than twice the posted speed limit at the intersection of Mann and Southport Roads when he lost control and crashed, killing his passenger.

Police insist cases like this can serve as an important safety lesson for drivers everywhere.

The fatal crash took place during the early morning hours on June 20th.

Police said a Cadillac SUV driven by James Stowers veered off the road, crashed into a ditch and killed 26-year-old Alec Ivy.

“You know every time I hear of a crash it’s like a punch in the gut, like not again,” said Susan Becker, a volunteer with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

A small memorial adorns the power pole struck by the Cadillac last month.

Becker doesn’t know the victim or his family, but she is familiar with the pain they feel because her 25-year-old son was killed by a drunk driver seven years ago.

“It’s important to remember that it’s preventable,” said Becker. “It doesn’t have to happen.”

According to the affidavit filed this week, Stowers was driving 94 mph in a 40 mph zone with a blood alcohol level of .197 — more than twice the legal limit.  Police also allegedly found a trace amount of drugs in his urine.

“Our actions have consequences, and some of them could be life and death,” said IMPD officer Tommy Thompson.

The Mothers Against Drunk Driving website claims someone is injured or killed by a drunk driver every 85 seconds across the country. That’s why IMPD urges everyone to plan ahead and never get behind the wheel while intoxicated.

“We want the public to be responsible for their actions,” Thompson said. “If you get behind the wheel, you have to remember to abide by the laws.”

“So the message is make a plan,” Becker said. “We’re doing what we can to bring awareness.  We’ve just got to continue to send the message.”

An arrest warrant has been issued for Stowers. In addition to the criminal charges, prosecutors have also filed a motion to immediately suspend the suspect’s license.