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Indy man gets 24 years for role in Delaware County crash that killed Fort Wayne couple

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Indy man gets 24 years for role in Delaware County crash that killed Fort Wayne couple


MUNCIE, Ind. — An Indianapolis man who was drunk when he caused a fatal head-on crash on Interstate 69 in Delaware County was sentenced Monday to 24 years in prison.

Walter Saucedo-Mendoza — who will observe his 32nd birthday this week — had pleaded guilty in Delaware Circuit Court 1 to two counts of causing death while driving while intoxicated and a single count of criminal recklessness.

According to Indiana State Police, Saucedo-Mendoza’s Kia Forte was traveling northbound in the interstate’s southbound lanes on Nov. 12, 2023, when it collided head-on with a southbound Chevrolet Malibu driven by Victoria Elaine Cox, 32, of Fort Wayne.

Cox and her husband, Evan Daniel Cox, 26, were pronounced dead at the scene, near the 234-mile marker and the Indiana 32/67 interchange in Daleville.

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Authorities said Saucedo-Mendoza’s blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.186 soon after the collision. In Indiana, a motorist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher is considered intoxicated.

State police said the Indianapolis man’s car was traveling at 88 mph at the time of the crash.

At Monday’s hearing, Judge Judi Calhoun imposed a pair of 11-year sentences, to be served consecutively, for Saucedo-Mendoza’s DWI convictions.

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He received a two-year sentence, also to be served consecutively, for the criminal recklessness conviction, which stemmed from damage sustained by a third vehicle.

Calhoun said she took exception to references to the interstate crash as an “accident.”

“This wasn’t an accident,” the judge said. “It was a crime.”

Calhoun said Saucedo-Mendoza made decisions both to become intoxicated and to then drive.

She said the “carnage and destruction” from his actions would “never be forgotten.”

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Deputy prosecutor Steve Sneed recommended that the Indianapolis man receive a maximum sentence of 26 years and six months in prison.

He said Saucedo-Mendoza’s crimes had taken “two wonderful, amazing, truly gifted individuals from this Earth.”

According to Sneed, the Indianapolis man began his wrong-way trip up the interstate’s southbound lanes in Hamilton County and traveled through Madison County before his deadly encounter with the Fort Wayne couple near Daleville.

Four witnesses — the parents of both crash victims — testified about the devastating impact the couple’s deaths had on both family and friends.

Angela Schaefer, Victoria Cox’s mother, urged Calhoun to “please send a message to society” in sentencing Saucedo-Mendoza.

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“He snuffed out one of the brightest lights who ever walked this Earth,” she said of her late daughter.

Evan Cox’s father, Dobie, also urged the judge to send “a message that says choosing to get behind the wheel impaired … will not be tolerated.”

Saucedo-Mendoza said he was “extremely remorseful for my actions.”

He indicated he was contending with personal problems at the time of the crash and maintained he had not consumed alcohol since that time. He also said he since had undergone counseling and attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

“I understand there are no excuses for what happened,” he said, also noting that he was seriously injured in the collision.

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His defense attorney recommended the Indianapolis man receive a 10-year sentence.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.



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Delaware

Done Deal: 695 Delaware Avenue – Buffalo Rising

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Done Deal: 695 Delaware Avenue – Buffalo Rising


Ellicott Development has expanded it local property portfolio. Ellicott’s 4628 Group Inc. purchased 695 Delaware Avenue on Wednesday for $1.025 million. Fred Kaplan Living Trust was the seller. The 8,454 sq.ft., three-story barn-like structure with mansard roofed addition is occupied by media production and marketing firm Crosswater Digital Media. It was the home of WKBW radio for a number of years. The property totals 0.4 acres in size with a large parking lot fronting Delaware Avenue.

The property is bookended by the Westbrook Apartments and Wilcox House apartment buildings, both ten-story structures. It sits across the street from 700 Delaware, the former Computer Task Group Building Ellicott purchased in 2018 and is now occupied by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.



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Man, 77, dies after collision with teen driver near Hartly, police say

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Man, 77, dies after collision with teen driver near Hartly, police say


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A 77-year-old man died following a two-car crash near Hartly on the morning of Dec. 10, Delaware State Police said.

The man, from the Dover area, has not been identified by police pending family notification.

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According to police reports, the man was driving a Honda Accord east on Judith Road approaching Hartly Road about 9 a.m., as an 18-year-old woman was driving a Ford Focus south on Hartly Road approaching Judith Road.

Police reported that a preliminary investigation shows the Honda moved from the stop sign into the Ford’s path, causing a collision.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman, from Hartly, was treated at the scene. Police said she refused to be taken to a hospital.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware County approves 19% property tax hike in 4-1 vote

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Delaware County approves 19% property tax hike in 4-1 vote


MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) — Delaware County Council voted 4-1 Wednesday night to approve a budget that includes a 19% property tax increase, despite objections from residents.

Property owners with a home assessed at $255,000 will pay about $188 more annually under the new budget, which takes effect next month.

Before the vote, some residents urged council to reconsider.

“I ask council to revisit the proposed budget, forgo voting tonight, avoid solving the entire deficit on the back of the hardworking taxpayers,” said Cynthia Sabitini of Upper Providence Township.

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One councilmember agreed, but most did not.

“Simply put, I feel that the increase is too drastic,” said Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer.

“This needs to occur. I don’t like it, but it’s what has to occur,” said Councilmember Kevin Madden.

The hike follows a 23% increase last year and a 5% increase the year before. County officials say tax hikes were minimal for a decade, forcing steep increases now.

The current all-Democratic council argues they’re righting the financial ship after past Republican leaders didn’t do enough.

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“For the first time in more than a decade, this budget puts Delaware County on track to have a truly balanced budget,” said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.

County leaders say the increase addresses a structural deficit, but opponents blame spending on projects such as de-privatizing George Hill Correctional Center and creating a health department.

“How do you justify coming in with a deficit and then saying you’re repairing it after you grew it?” said Michael Straw of Media Borough Republicans.

Officials say future hikes should be minimal if the county makes any request at all, but some remain skeptical.

“I have my doubts that we won’t be seeing increases in the future,” Straw said.

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