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Deeper Dive: Would a negligent homicide law make Fort Wayne safer?

We explore what a negligent homicide law is and its pros and cons.
Deeper Dive: Would a negligent homicide law make Fort Wayne safer?
Pedestrians use a fading crosswalk at Main and Calhoun streets in Downtown Fort Wayne, where a Fort Wayne Police Department sergeant hit a pedestrian in April, resulting in his death.

You've heard...

Fort Wayne Police Department Sgt. Joshua Hartup will only pay a $35.50 fine for hitting pedestrian Henry Najdeski with his vehicle in April, leading to Najdeski's death.

  • Why? Allen County Prosecutor Mike McAlexander's office found Hartup was not criminally liable for Najdeski’s death and opted instead to file a Class A infraction for failure to yield.
  • A news release from the Prosecutor says: “Indiana does not have a negligent homicide law as some states, including Ohio, have enacted.”

So what is a negligent homicide law, and would adding this law to the books in Indiana make Fort Wayne safer? Let's explore that question.

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Published by:

Kara Hackett

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