Driver admits guilt in high-speed chase resulting in tragic deaths of toddlers

AVON, Ind. (WISH) — A man who killed a 2-month-old girl and 3-year-old boy in a fatal car crash has plead guilty.

S’Doni Pettis changed his plea from not guilty to guilty during his trial Tuesday morning in Danville.

The plea change comes after his involvement in a police chase that resulted in a catastrophic crash claiming the lives of two young children, according to Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office.

On Feb. 5, 2025, while on probation for a violent crime, Pettis stole a gray Honda Civic and fled from police at nearly 90 miles per hour. During the pursuit, he ran a red light and collided with a Ford Explorer, which then burst into flames while carrying a family, including two young children, on U.S. 40 and Ronald Reagan Parkway in Avon.

The incident resulted in the deaths of an 2-month-old named Iris at the scene and 3-year-old Ares, who died later from burns.

Police say the pursuit began when Officer Roach of the Avon Police Department attempted to stop Pettis after confirming the Civic was stolen. Instead of complying, Pettis accelerated westbound on U.S. 40, leading to the tragic crash.

Eyewitness accounts and accident data revealed he never applied his brakes before impact.

Pettis, who had prior violent convictions, admitte...