LAPORTE COUNTY, IN — A tragic road rage incident turned fatal in LaPorte County, Indiana, last Friday when a high-speed confrontation between two drivers ended in the death of a 10-month-old infant.
Authorities say the crash occurred along County Road 400 North, just outside Michigan City, when a dispute between 29-year-old Deondra Moore and 26-year-old Felisha Stout spiraled out of control. Moore, driving a 2009 Nissan Rogue, lost control of her vehicle while allegedly engaged in a dangerous altercation with Stout, who was behind the wheel of a 2008 Jeep Liberty.
Vehicle Crashed, Caught Fire, and Claimed a Baby’s Life
Moore’s SUV, which carried both her 10-month-old daughter Khleja’nae Sims and a 10-year-old boy, veered off the roadway during the incident. The vehicle reportedly struck several trees and caught fire upon impact. Despite emergency response efforts, baby Khleja’nae died at the scene inside the burning car.
The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Stout initially fled the scene following the crash but returned shortly after deputies had arrived. Moore and the 10-year-old boy survived the crash, but both suffered visible trauma.
Both Drivers Now Charged
Following a joint investigation, the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal charges against both women involved:
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Deondra Moore is charged with reckless homicide, accused of initiating and escalating the dangerous driving behavior that ultimately led to her own daughter’s death. Her bond was set at $15,005 cash-only.
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Felisha Stout faces a charge of leaving the scene of a fatal crash, a serious felony under Indiana law. Her bond was set at $20,005.
Both women are currently detained in the LaPorte County Jail, awaiting further court proceedings.
Sheriff’s Office Condemns the Incident
Administrative Captain Derek J. Allen of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office issued a firm statement following the arrest of both women:
“The circumstances of this crash are unequivocally inexcusable. The arrestees are being held accountable for their actions and for the death of a defenseless Khleja’nae.”
Officials emphasized the senseless nature of the crash and the devastating consequences of allowing anger to take control behind the wheel.
Community Reeling from Loss
News of the infant’s death has shaken the local community, with many struggling to understand how a routine drive escalated into a deadly encounter. The loss of a child due to reckless actions has prompted renewed calls for awareness about the dangers of road rage and aggressive driving — especially with children present in the vehicle.
LaPorte County residents are calling for increased traffic safety enforcement and greater accountability for drivers who endanger others on rural roads that often lack barriers and lighting.
A Cautionary Tale About Reckless Driving
This case underscores the tragic risks that come with impulsive and emotional driving. As legal proceedings begin, the community is left mourning a preventable loss and urging others to think before they react behind the wheel.
Have you witnessed aggressive driving incidents that endangered others in your area? Share your story in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and join the discussion about making our roads safer.
