Hendricks County, Indiana – An Indianapolis man has been sentenced to decades in prison after a high-speed police chase ended in a fiery crash that killed a 2-month-old infant and a 3-year-old child in Hendricks County. Prosecutors called the case one of the most heartbreaking they have handled, citing irreversible loss caused by reckless decisions.
Incident Overview
A Hendricks County judge sentenced 25-year-old S’Doni Pettis to a combined 74 years in prison for crimes connected to the deadly crash that occurred on February 5, 2025. The sentence follows Pettis’ guilty plea to multiple felony charges, including resisting law enforcement and causing death while operating a motor vehicle.
The crash claimed the lives of 3-year-old Ares Vawter and 2-month-old Iris Moore, who were passengers in another vehicle struck during the pursuit.
Timeline of Events
According to court documents, the incident began around 9:15 a.m. when an Avon police officer ran the license plate of a gray Honda Civic Sport traveling near U.S. 40 and Raceway Road. The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Marion County just days earlier.
When officers attempted a traffic stop, Pettis failed to pull over, triggering a short but extremely dangerous pursuit. As the stolen vehicle entered the intersection of U.S. 40 and Ronald Reagan Parkway, it ran a red light and crashed into another car, causing both vehicles to burst into flames.
Details From Police and Court Records
Investigators determined that Pettis was driving at 95 miles per hour just seconds before the crash. At the moment of impact, the vehicle was still traveling at approximately 88.9 miles per hour.
Court records indicate:
- No braking occurred before the collision
- No skid marks were found at the scene
- The stolen vehicle crossed the intersection against a red light
During a post-arrest interview, Pettis admitted he fled because he knew the vehicle was stolen. He allegedly took the car on February 2, 2025, after finding it unattended with the door open.
Victims and Witness Accounts
At the time of the crash, Shadow Moore was driving the vehicle struck by Pettis while transporting her children to their grandparents’ home. Witnesses confirmed the suspect vehicle entered the intersection illegally before striking Moore’s car.
Good Samaritans and officers rushed to rescue the victims from the burning vehicle. Ares Vawter was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital with burns covering 60% of his body, but later died from his injuries. Iris Moore also succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Both children were laid to rest on March 12, 2025, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greenwood.
Charges and Sentencing
Pettis pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Three counts of resisting law enforcement
- Two counts of causing catastrophic injury when operating a vehicle
- One count of causing death when operating a vehicle
- One count of auto theft
- One count of conversion
Prosecutors requested the maximum sentence of 77½ years, while the court ultimately imposed a 74-year sentence. Pettis has been held at the Hendricks County Jail since his arrest and will be transferred to the Indiana Department of Correction.
He has 30 days to appeal the sentence but cannot challenge his conviction due to the guilty plea.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Following the sentencing, Hendricks County Prosecutor Loren Delp addressed the emotional toll of the case.
“No sentence is going to be justice. We cannot bring back Ares and Iris. From day one, this family has been the epitome of strength in light of the circumstances.”
Additional Context: A Family Marked by Tragedy
The past year has been especially devastating for the Vawter family. On May 5, 2025, 65-year-old Mark Vawter, the children’s great-grandfather, was shot and killed by police outside the Hendricks County Courthouse.
According to Indiana State Police, Mark Vawter allegedly pointed a firearm toward deputies and inmates during the arrival of an inmate transport van, firing at least one shot before officers returned fire. He died at the scene. Pettis had originally been scheduled to appear in court that day, but the hearing had been postponed.
Public Safety and Awareness
Law enforcement officials continue to stress the dangers of fleeing police, noting that high-speed pursuits place innocent lives at extreme risk. This case underscores how a single reckless decision can permanently alter multiple families and communities.
Conclusion
The sentencing of S’Doni Pettis brings a measure of legal closure, but the loss of Ares Vawter and Iris Moore remains immeasurable. Prosecutors and family members alike emphasized that no prison term can undo the harm caused, only reinforce accountability and public safety.
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