Indianapolis, IN – An Indiana man, who was fleeing police in a high-speed chase before causing a crash that killed three people, was handed a lenient sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges. Luis Leyba-Gonzalez, 21, was sentenced to only nine years in prison, with just two years behind bars, despite the devastating consequences of his reckless driving.
The Fatal Incident and Reckless Driving
On the night of September 26, 2023, Luis Leyba-Gonzalez was behind the wheel of a Dodge Challenger while attempting to flee from state police officers. His passengers were his 14-year-old brother, Christian Leyba-Gonzalez, and his 32-year-old cousin, Jose Gonzalez Jr. State troopers tried to pull him over, but he sped away, reaching speeds of up to 140 mph. According to reports, the police stopped pursuing him for safety reasons.
Shortly after the chase ended, Luis Leyba-Gonzalez ran a red light while traveling at 100 mph and crashed into another car. The crash resulted in the deaths of Christian Leyba-Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez Jr., and Makayla Hankins, a 21-year-old woman who was driving the other vehicle. Christian and Jose were pronounced dead at the scene, while Makayla, who had recently married two weeks prior to the crash, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
The Charges and Plea Deal
Luis Leyba-Gonzalez faced 12 felony charges in connection with the fatal crash. These included three counts of resisting law enforcement resulting in death, three counts of reckless homicide, and three counts of causing death while operating a motor vehicle with a controlled substance in his blood. After pleading guilty to nine of the 12 charges, including the three counts of resisting law enforcement resulting in death, he faced a potential sentence of nine to 48 years in prison.
However, in a controversial move, Judge Jennifer Prinz Harrison dismissed six of the counts, ultimately sentencing Leyba-Gonzalez to just nine years in prison, with only two years to be served behind bars. This decision has sparked outrage from the victims’ families, local law enforcement, and the broader community.
Family and Public Outcry
The lenient sentence has been met with outrage, particularly from the family of Makayla Hankins, who was newly married at the time of her death. Makayla’s grandmother, who adopted her after her mother’s passing, expressed her anger at the sentence, stating, “My first words were, ‘Is that all he got for killing three people?'” She added, “That’s not justice. That’s a slap on the hand.”
The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police also criticized the decision, calling the sentence a “miscarriage of justice.” The group issued a statement condemning the judge’s leniency, noting that this was not the first time that concerns had been raised about low bonds and lenient sentences in the Marion County Criminal Justice System. The organization expressed their frustration with the repeated lack of accountability, calling for more equal protection under the law for both victims and accused individuals.
The police union emphasized that this case highlights the broader issue of disproportionate incidents of low bonds and weak judicial responses to violent crimes, calling on lawmakers and judicial authorities to address these ongoing concerns.
A Lenient Sentence and the Call for Justice
Despite the severity of the crash and the loss of three lives, Luis Leyba-Gonzalez received a sentence that many feel does not fit the crime. Prosecutors had asked for 25 years in prison, while the defense argued for a much lighter sentence, requesting a maximum of three years. The judge’s ruling, which gave only two years behind bars, has left many questioning the fairness of the criminal justice system in handling such cases.
Victims’ Families Demand Justice
While Luis Leyba-Gonzalez will spend some time in prison, Makayla Hankins’ family and the loved ones of the other victims are left grappling with the tragedy and the perceived failure of the justice system. The victims’ families have vowed to continue advocating for justice, hoping to prevent similar lenient sentences for future cases involving reckless driving and violent crimes.
Closing Thoughts
As the community continues to process the consequences of the crash and the light sentence given to Luis Leyba-Gonzalez, the need for justice and accountability remains at the forefront. Victims and their families continue to demand a system that treats reckless, life-threatening actions with the gravity they deserve.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on this case? Should Luis Leyba-Gonzalez have received a harsher sentence? Share your opinions in the comments below.