By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

James C. Lewis

WARSAW — An Elkhart man will serve 14 years in prison after driving while under the influence, resulting in the death of a Marion woman and serious injuries to the woman’s husband.

James C. Lewis, 45, 1533 Sedgewick Court, Elkhart, was charged with causing death when operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body and causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body, both level 4 felonies; and causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body, a level 5 felony.

Lewis was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court Three on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

At 10:23 p.m. April 10, 2021, emergency personnel responded to a report of a head-on collision on SR 15, north of CR 550S.

According to court documents, upon arrival at the scene, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw a green Chevrolet Suburban and a black Ford Explorer truck in the roadway with extensive front-end damage.

The Chevy Suburban was operated by Donald Galbraith, Marion, who was trapped in the driver’s seat. Donald’s front seat passenger, his wife, Sandra, was trapped as well.

Lewis, who had been driving the Ford Explorer, was found laying in a ditch. He was the sole occupant of the Explorer.

Lewis told officers he was traveling north from Wabash after fishing with a friend and said he fell asleep.

The deputy saw several empty beer cans on the driver’s floorboard and in the bed of the Explorer, along with a small bottle of whiskey. Lewis said he consumed three beers at a friend’s residence an hour or two prior to the accident.

Lewis sustained lower extremity injuries and was unable to perform several field sobriety tests; however, he did consent to a  field sobriety test, which he failed. Lewis consented to a certified test for alcohol and drugs, which showed the presence of methamphetamine and THC in his system.

Donald suffered extensive injuries and was taken to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He sustained a broken hip, a broken knee cap and a broken leg, all of which required reconstructive/replacement surgery.

Sandra was pronounced dead at the scene.

Donald later told police that he had been traveling south on SR 15 when a northbound vehicle entered his lane of travel, resulting in a head-on collision.

Lewis was previously convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Elkhart County in June 2017.

During court proceedings, Donald testified and described Sandra as a fantastic woman who was a big influence on all of her family members’ lives.

“We were best friends,” said Donald about Sandra. “People were touched by her constantly…she was a very giving soul.”

Defense Attorney Vincent Campiti described the incident as a “very difficult, tragic situation.” He asked Kosciusko Superior Court Three Judge Chad Miner to give Lewis a six-year sentence and requested the counts be served concurrently, or at the same time.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mark Caruso asked for a 10-year sentence on the causing death charge, noting Lewis’s prior criminal history.

“We can get them (Sandra’s family) justice,” said Caruso. “But we, unfortunately, can’t bring anybody back.”

Lewis also spoke in court and apologized to the Galbraith family, who attended the sentencing.

“My poor decisions have had a daily effect on your lives,” said Lewis. “I am truly and deeply sorry, and I accept complete responsibility. This guilt and remorse will be with me every day of my life.”

For causing death when operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body, Judge Miner sentenced Lewis to 10 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, with eight years executed and two years suspended on probation.

Both charges regarding serious bodily injury merged, with the sentence being six years in DoC. The six-year sentence will be served consecutively to the 10-year sentence.

In total, Lewis received a 16-year prison sentence, with 14 years executed and two years suspended on probation.

Lewis’s driver’s license was also suspended for 12 years. A restitution hearing to address Donald’s medical bills was scheduled for 1 p.m. Nov. 7.