MORGAN COUNTY, Ind. — Residents of Morgan County are outraged after a judge ruled John Elliott will serve no time in prison despite his reckless decision of driving while under the influence causing the death of his wife — the late Morgan County Clerk Stephanie Elliott.
John Elliott was charged in early 2023 in connection to the death of his wife after he drove his pickup truck off the road, down an embankment and into a line of trees.
The truck reportedly launched into the air during the crash before colliding with a tree. Later investigation also revealed the truck was going nearly 90 mph with no visible signs of braking before the crash.
John Elliott was behind the wheel at the time of the accident. Police later found out that not only had John been drinking prior to the crash, but both cocaine and cannabinoids were found in his system.
Stephanie was pronounced dead on scene. Not only was she the sitting clerk of Morgan County at the time of her death, but she was running for the seat of Morgan County auditor on the Republican ticket in the general election.
Despite being charged with a Level 4 felony for causing death by operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or with a controlled substance in the person’s blood — which can carry a prison sentence of up to 12 years in prison — the court accepted a plea deal from John Elliott allowing him to plead to a lesser charge of reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony.
Level 5 felonies carry a possible prison sentence of up to six years.
But at a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, a judge listened to testimony in defense of John Elliott, who is a local business owner. Those who spoke at the hearing reportedly lauded John's character and asked for leniency, according to the Morgan County Correspondent.
Despite the six-year sentence hanging over the head of the man who caused the death of his wife, the judge heeded the calls for leniency and chose not to give Elliott any prison time.
Instead, Elliott will serve 364 days on home detention and 730 days on probation. He was also ordered to serve 80 hours of community service.
Because of Stephanie's involvement with Morgan County government, John Elliott's case was assigned a special prosecutor and judge and moved to Hendricks County. Judge Mark Smith presided over the sentencing hearing.
In the wake of the sentencing decision, many reached out to FOX59/CBS4 expressing anger at the perceived injustice for Stephanie Elliott. Viewers expressed outrage and disbelief over the lenient sentencing, calling the decision "unfair."
Social media reactions also flooded in, calling the decision "disrespectful," "disgusting," and "an insult to her, her family and the justice system in general."
FOX59/CBS4 has reached out to the court for more information about Judge Smith's decision.
The Metropolitan School District of Martinsville sent out a statement regarding the John Elliott sentencing hearing due to staff members taking part in the testimony.
Dear MSD of Martinsville Families and Community,
The purpose of this letter is to provide clarification regarding the information surrounding the recent court proceedings involving Mr. John Elliott and witnesses in the case.
To clarify, any staff members who may have testified in this case did so on their own time, under oath. Their testimony was not a part of their official role with the district. It is also important to note that all individuals have the obligation and right to speak truthfully and freely in court.
The District respects the criminal justice process and will not take a position regarding the case involving Mr. Elliott. Our focus remains on ensuring a respectful and supportive teaching and learning environment for our students, staff, and families.
Should you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.
Eric Bowlen, Superintendent