Daijiworld Media Network – Ohio
Ohio, Jun 4: The mother of a 17-year-old pregnant teenager who died in a high-speed crash in the US state of Ohio has called for the deportation of an Indian national charged in connection with the incident.
Annette Holmes, mother of Ashlee Holmes, said she does not want 33-year-old Tarsem Singh to remain in the United States following the fatal crash that claimed the lives of both her daughter and her unborn child.
According to the victim’s family, Singh was the father of Ashlee’s unborn baby. Family members alleged that Ashlee had attempted to leave the relationship several times but was unable to do so.
Speaking to media outlets, Annette said no one deserved to lose their life while expecting their first child. She added that she would support Singh’s permanent removal from the country, noting that authorities later discovered he had initially entered the US illegally.
The fatal crash occurred on February 16 when Ashlee was travelling as a passenger in a Range Rover Velar driven by Singh. Police said Singh allegedly fled from law enforcement officers, triggering a high-speed chase that reached speeds of nearly 100 mph before ending in a violent collision.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the vehicle was first recorded travelling at 79 mph in a 55 mph zone before accelerating to more than 120 mph during the pursuit. Investigators said the SUV failed to negotiate a curve, crossed into the opposite lane, struck a Jeep and overturned multiple times.
Ashlee was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. Her unborn child also died as a result of the crash.
Singh has since been indicted on several felony charges, including involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide and aggravated vehicular homicide. He remains in custody on a $1 million bond.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against Singh. According to the Department of Homeland Security, he entered the United States illegally through the southern border in California in 2017 and was later released on bond by an immigration judge.
Authorities said Singh could face deportation proceedings after the criminal case concludes. A jury trial is scheduled to take place from August 17 to 21.
Under US law, Singh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.