HomeWire ReportsWoman Found Guilty in Fatal 2018 Indiana School Bus Stop Crash

Woman Found Guilty in Fatal 2018 Indiana School Bus Stop Crash

A jury convicted Alyssa Shepherd of reckless homicide almost one year after illegally passing a stopped school bus, killing three children and injuring a fourth near Rochester, Indiana, reported the Indianapolis Star.

Shepherd was driving a pickup truck that struck and killed twins Xzavier and Mason Ingle, 6, and their older step-sister Alivia Stahl, 9, as the children were crossing the street last Oct. 30 to board their school bus. A fourth student, Maverik Lowe, 11, was also struck and was critically injured. He reportedly underwent more than 20 surgeries since the crash.

Shepherd was found guilty on Friday of three felony counts of reckless homicide, it was reported. She was also found guilty of a felony count of criminal recklessness and a misdemeanor count of passing a school bus and causing injury when the stop-arm is extended.

She faces a maximum sentence of 21.5 years.


Related: Woman Arrested in Death of Three Indiana Students at School Bus Stop
Related: First Reported School Bus Stop Injury of 2019-2020 School Year
Related: Research Shows Potential Scope of 2018-2019 School Bus Injuries & Fatalities
Related: School Bus Crash Research for 2018-2019 Highlights Challenges of Crossing Students
Related: Latest School Bus Loading/Unloading Survey Results Reflects Spike in Crossing Deaths


No evidence of drugs or alcohol was found in Shepherd’s system at the time of the crash, according to the news reports. However, some blame was placed on the bus stop on rural State Road 25, which has since been relocated inside an adjacent mobile home park, where the children lived.

October 2024

Learn more about what it takes to create a Top Transportation Team in this month's cover story. Read articles...
Advertisement

Buyer’s Guide 2024

Find the latest vehicle production data and budget reports, industry trends, and contact information for state, national and federal...

Poll

Is there an increase in the number of school district- or company-owned alternative vehicles for student transportation in your fleet this school year compared to last school year?
37 votes
VoteResults
Advertisement