INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man was sentenced to 50 years in connection with a deadly high-speed crash on the city's near northeast side in July.
(NOTE: The video above is from a previous report on the crash.)
The Marion County Prosecutor's Office announced Jan. 23 that Rodney Spells was sentenced after he was previously convicted in October for the following felonies, along with multiple misdemeanor charges:
- Resisting law enforcement
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Causing death while operating a vehicle while intoxicated
- Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death
- Reckless homicide
- Dealing in a narcotic drug
- Possession of a narcotic drug.
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of a narcotic drug
Warren Morphis, 67, was killed in the crash, which happened the evening of July 7, 2023, in the 3200 block of North Keystone Avenue, a few blocks west of Washington Park.
An IMPD spokesperson told 13News the night of the crash that a witness told police the driver of a southbound pickup truck ran a red light at East 34th Street and North Keystone Avenue, crossing into the northbound lanes.
The driver stayed in the northbound lanes, where two northbound vehicles spotted him and flashed their lights to get his attention. Police said the driver, later identified as Spells, tried to drive between the cars and struck them both, killing Morphis and injuring the other driver.
IMPD officers who spotted the driver were attempting to catch up with the pickup truck when the crash occurred.
Vehicle data from Spells' truck showed it was traveling more than 100 mph three seconds before the crash, and 74 mph less than one second before the crash, the prosecutor's office said.
The posted speed limit in the area was 35 mph.
Spells fled the scene after the crash before he was taken into custody by officers, who located multiple baggies on him with a large amount of cash.
Inside Spells' car, officers found "evidence consistent with dealing narcotics including more baggies, fentanyl and methamphetamine, a scale, and multiple cellphones," the prosecutor's office said.
"The defendant showed an absolute disregard for the safety of those around him," Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. "This senseless and tragic event altered the lives of many families, and we are pleased to have secured justice for all those involved."