An Indiana woman who caused a fatal multi-vehicle car accident that killed a 6-year-old boy was high on methamphetamine and doing her makeup in the mirror, according to police.
According to court records, Khristal Grant, 43, was arrested on Saturday, months after allegedly rear-ending a Ford Explorer carrying 6-year-old James Doniven Hodges and his grandparents on November 9, 2024. Following the impact, the Explorer was sent into oncoming traffic, colliding with another vehicle. Several people were injured and transported to local hospitals. James, who was set to celebrate his seventh birthday later that month, was pronounced dead on the scene.
Grant was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and causing death.
Court documents obtained by local Fox affiliate WXIN stated that Grant, who was driving a Chevy Tahoe, was “all over the roadway,” according to a witness who spoke with police. That witness and their passenger reportedly told police that they saw Grant pass them in her Tahoe while putting on makeup and looking in the mirror.
According to court documents, Grant was traveling at approximately 68 mph when she collided with the back of the Explorer carrying James and his grandparents as it was preparing to make a left turn off State Road 44. The impact sent the Explorer spinning into the path of a westbound minivan, causing another collision. Grant and her Tahoe were then hit by a Jeep traveling eastbound, causing damage to four vehicles.
When police questioned Grant after the crash, she admitted to using methamphetamine and marijuana “within the past few days.” All of the drivers involved agreed to blood tests, and Grant tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine, according to local NBC affiliate WTHR.
According to court documents, Grant allegedly told police that she was paying attention to the road, wasn’t on her phone, and couldn’t stop her car in time to avoid the collision. According to witnesses, Grant did not hit her brakes in the moments leading up to the crash. Her vehicle data recorder indicated that she applied the brakes half a second before colliding with the Explorer.
Grant was formally charged with two counts of operating a vehicle while under the influence of a substance and causing death on May 9, but was not arrested until May 28. She is still in custody at the Shelby County Jail after posting a $10,000 bond. Her next court date is June 25.
