Seymour Woman Arrested Following Crash Investigation

Claimed life of 3 year old child in the crash

On December 11, 2023, Jennings County Deputies arrested Lisa Ely, 45, of Seymour, Indiana on a warrant following an investigation into a crash that claimed the life of 3-year-old Thomas Ely on October 28, 2023.

The investigation determined that Lisa Ely was operating a 2016 Nissan Rogue when the vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree, resulting in serious injuries to a 7-year-old female, a 9-year-old male, and the driver. Thomas Ely sustained fatal injuries as a result. Investigators determined that the juveniles were only wearing seatbelts, and there was no evidence of proper child restraints or car seats in use at the time of the crash. The investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling above the posted speed limit at the time of the crash. Toxicology results on Lisa Ely showed her blood alcohol level above the legal limit.

The investigation was presented to the Jennings County Prosecutor's Office and a warrant was issued for the arrest of Lisa Ely on the following charges:

1. Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony

2. Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (2 counts), Level 3 Felony

3. Causing Death when Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, Level 4 Felony

4. Causing Serious Bodily Injury when Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated (2 counts), Level 5 Felony

Ely was arrested without incident and transported to the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office. She was incarcerated at the Jennings County Jail pending an initial court appearance.

Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.