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Seymour woman charged in crash that killed her 3-year-old grandson

An investigation determined Lisa Ely was speeding at the time of the crash, and her blood alcohol level was above the legal limit.

JENNINGS COUNTY, Ind. — A woman from Seymour is facing multiple charges in connection to a crash that killed her 3-year-old grandson and injured two other grandchildren.

Jennings County sheriff's deputies said 45-year-old Lisa Ely was driving a 2016 Nissan Rogue when the car went off the road and hit a tree Oct. 28, 2023.

Thomas Ely, 3, died from his injuries in the crash. Deputies said Lisa, a 7-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy were injured in the crash. Deputies also confirmed Lisa was the grandmother of all three children.

An investigation determined Lisa was speeding at the time of the crash, and her blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. 

Investigators said Lisa was not wearing a seatbelt, and the children were wearing seatbelts but were not in car seats or proper child restraints.

Deputies arrested Ely and took her to the Jennings County Jail.

Prosecutors charged Ely with the following:

  • Neglect of a dependent resulting in death
  • Two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury
  • Causing death when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated
  • Two counts of causing serious bodily injury when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated

Ely had her initial court hearing Monday, according to online court records.

Jennings County is roughly 70 miles southeast of downtown Indianapolis.

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