(La Porte County, IN) - Two women are in prison, and criminal charges have been brought related to the incident that claimed the life of an infant in La Porte County.

 

On Friday afternoon a fiery car crash occurred just southwest of Michigan City. Trapped in the car was an infant, who perished in the blaze. The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department has released more details on what transpired.

 

In what they are calling “a back-and-forth road rage incident,” two vehicles, a 2009 Nissan Rogue and a 2008 Jeep Liberty, were travelling westbound on CR 400 North approaching County Line Road when the Nissan veered over the center line and collided with several trees on the south side of the roadway.

 

As the vehicle caught fire, authorities say the driver, 29-year-old Deondra L. Moore (pictured, left), along with a 10-year-old boy and a 10-month-old girl, were able to escape the wreckage. 10-month-old Khleja’nae L. Sims was still in the car. By the time first responders arrived, they were unable to save her.

 

The Jeep’s driver, 26-year-old Felisha A. Stout (pictured, right), initially fled the scene, returning several minutes later, police say.

 

Moore was transported to an area hospital for treatment, and both women were later taken to La Porte County Jail.

 

Stout, of Westville, has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatality crash, a Level 4 Felony. She is being held on a $20,005 cash-only bond through Superior Court I. 

 

Moore, who is from Ft. Wayne, is facing a Level 5 Felony charge of Reckless Homicide and is being held on a $15,005 cash-only bond, also through Superior Court I. 

 

 “The circumstances of this crash are unequivocally inexcusable,” said LPSCO Administrative Captain Derek J. Allen.

 

“The arrestees are being held accountable for their actions and for the death of a defenseless Khleja’nae. Thank you to the agencies who provided assistance at the scene and those continuing to assist with the investigation,” he added.