S’Doni Pettis, a 25-year-old from Indianapolis, received the maximum sentence of 74 years in prison for a February 5, 2025, high-speed police chase that killed two young brothers: 3-year-old Ares Vawter and 2-month-old Iris Moore.
Crash Details
Pettis, on probation for prior aggravated battery, stole a gray Honda Civic and fled Avon police on U.S. 40 westbound. He ran a red light at Ronald Reagan Parkway at nearly 90-100 mph without braking, slamming into the family’s Ford Explorer, which burst into flames.
Victims and Aftermath
Infant Iris died at the scene; Ares suffered catastrophic burns and died days later at Riley Children’s Hospital. Rescuers, including officers, the boys’ father, and a bystander trying to free a melted car seat, were injured.
Legal Outcome
Pettis pleaded guilty mid-trial in January 2026 to charges including resisting law enforcement (x3), causing catastrophic injury (x2), causing death while operating a vehicle, conversion, and auto theft. Hendricks County Judge sentenced him on February 9, 2026, as prosecutors emphasized his deliberate choices and indifference.
