Daleville grandmother charged in deaths of family members

Apr. 19—MUNCIE — A Daleville woman has been charged in the deaths of her daughter and three grandchildren.

Amy A. Carter, 55, was charged by Delaware County prosecutors with three counts of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a scheduled or controlled substance.

The charges are Level 4 felonies, meaning Carter could spend up to 12 years in prison.

The charges are the result of a fatal accident that occurred on Feb. 19, 2023.

According to court documents, Carter was driving a PT Cruiser with her daughter, Alexis Strader, 28, who was 33 weeks pregnant, and her grandchildren, Jonah Strader, 3, and Laila Strader, 1.

Carter's vehicle was traveling northbound on County Road 600 West when she reached back to hand her grandson a bottle, according to the court documents. That is when she hit a nearby culvert.

The car flipped onto its side and burst into flames. All the vehicle's occupants except Carter were killed.

High concentrations of both Lorazepam, a drug used to calm anxiety, and THC were found in Carter's system.

Follow Caleb Amick on Twitter @AmickCaleb. Contact him at caleb.amick@heraldbulletin.com or 765-648-4254.