A deadly car crash in mid-May on High School Road in Speedway, Indiana, has resulted in serious criminal charges against a 21-year-old driver, Lamont Roberts. The crash involved two SUVs, and tragically, the passenger in one of the vehicles, 37-year-old Hosmer Franco, lost his life after being ejected from the car during the collision. This incident has highlighted the serious consequences of reckless driving and the legal implications for those involved.

The Crash Incident

The crash occurred on High School Road, where Roberts, driving a black SUV, struck an Uber vehicle, a blue SUV, carrying Franco as a passenger. According to witnesses and court records, Roberts was driving at an excessively high speed at the time of the crash. Reports state that he traveled 75 miles per hour, more than twice the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour.

Eyewitnesses to the crash described the horrifying scene, noting the moment when Franco was ejected from the passenger side of the Uber after the impact. One witness recounted how Franco’s body flew up into the air before landing on the ground, with the car rolling over him. The witness immediately called 911 after the crash, but sadly, Franco succumbed to his injuries at the scene, having had no chance to survive the catastrophic impact.

Legal Charges Filed Against Driver

Lamont Roberts now faces multiple serious charges as a result of the fatal crash. The primary charges against him include reckless homicide and causing death while operating a vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance. According to court documents, Roberts admitted to law enforcement that he had smoked marijuana prior to the crash.

The charge of reckless homicide, which Roberts is facing, is a serious offense in the state of Indiana. However, reckless homicide differs from other forms of homicide in that it does not require the prosecution to prove intent to kill. As Indianapolis-based attorney Mario Mahsa explained, reckless homicide is considered the lowest level of homicide because it involves unintentional death. This makes the charge easier for prosecutors to prove, as they do not need to establish that the driver intended to kill anyone. The act of driving recklessly, in this case, speeding at more than twice the legal limit while under the influence of marijuana, is sufficient to meet the threshold for reckless homicide.

Roberts is also charged with causing death while operating a vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance. Though it remains unclear from reports whether the THC from the marijuana was active or inactive in Roberts’ system at the time of the crash, under Indiana law, the mere presence of THC in his system combined with reckless driving was enough for the prosecution to pursue charges.

Consequences of Reckless Homicide Charge

If convicted of reckless homicide, Roberts faces a potential prison sentence ranging from one to six years. The severity of the punishment depends on various factors, including his criminal history, the circumstances of the crash, and the decisions made during the legal process. Reckless homicide is classified as a Level 5 felony in Indiana, and it carries a significant prison term, even though it is considered the least severe form of homicide.

In addition to the potential prison time, Roberts has been set a bond of $5,000 in cash for his release. His initial hearing in court is scheduled to take place soon, during which further proceedings will be determined.

Community Response and Safety Concerns

The tragic death of Hosmer Franco has left a lasting impact on those who witnessed the crash and the local community. One witness, identified as Jeanette, expressed her dismay over the reckless behavior that led to the fatal accident. She urged drivers to slow down and take greater responsibility when behind the wheel, particularly in areas like High School Road, where speeding has become a common issue. Jeanette’s call for caution reflects the wider concern within the community about the dangers posed by reckless driving, especially in a city where many treat the roads like the Indianapolis 500.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the deadly consequences that can arise from careless driving. The charges brought against Roberts underscore the legal ramifications for individuals who engage in reckless behavior while driving, particularly when such actions result in loss of life.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

As of now, Roberts is awaiting his initial court hearing, during which more details about the legal proceedings will emerge. With the charges of reckless homicide and causing death while operating under the influence of a controlled substance, Roberts faces a challenging legal battle ahead. His case also highlights the importance of road safety and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the community to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As investigations continue and the case progresses through the legal system, further updates are expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic crash.

Conclusion

The death of Uber passenger Hosmer Franco in a fatal crash on High School Road has led to the indictment of Lamont Roberts on charges of reckless homicide. The case has drawn attention to the critical need for drivers to obey speed limits and refrain from impaired driving. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless behavior on the road.