High-speed nightmare in US: Indian-origin man charged in crash that killed pregnant teen

The 33-year-old, identified as Tarsem Singh, was indicted by a grand jury on multiple counts, including two counts each of involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and aggravated vehicular homicide. He also faces one count each of vehicular assault and failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, according to Darke County Common Pleas Court records, as reported by the Dayton Daily News.

Singh’s bond was set at $1 million on Monday, and his next court hearing is scheduled for April 3.

The incident occurred on February 16, when 17-year-old Ashlee Holmes was killed after being ejected from an SUV during a crash on Ohio 47 near the Ansonia-Hunchbarger Road intersection. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 8:15 p.m. when a deputy spotted an SUV traveling at 79 mph in a 55 mph zone on Ohio 47 near Detling Road. A pursuit ensued, lasting approximately five miles and reaching speeds of up to 124 mph.

Authorities said the SUV later crashed into another vehicle on a curve, veered off the left side of the road, and overturned.

Singh was transported to Miami Valley Hospital with serious injuries.

In a post on X, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Singh’s injuries were minor compared to those suffered by his passenger, stating that the 17-year-old and her unborn child were thrown from the vehicle and killed when he allegedly fled from police at high speed.

He was formally indicted on March 23 on all charges related to the deaths of Holmes and her unborn child.