This afternoon, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Malik Stafford, 24, of Louisville, on charges stemming from a fatal crash that occurred on Tuesday, June 16, 2025, on North St. Joseph Avenue.
At approximately 3:25 PM on the day of the incident, deputies responded to a two-vehicle collision in the 6700 block of St. Joseph Avenue, north of Wimberg Road. Sheriff’s deputies determined that a northbound box truck driven by Stafford crossed the center line and struck a southbound SUV head-on. The driver of the SUV, a 31-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her child, who was secured in a car seat, sustained only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Stafford sustained internal injuries and was transported to the emergency room.
A sheriff’s deputy trained as a certified drug recognition expert evaluated Stafford at the hospital and observed multiple signs of cannabis impairment, including bloodshot eyes, drooping eyelids, poor coordination, disorientation, and a rapid heart rate. A urine screen and an oral swab confirmed the presence of cannabis. A blood sample was collected and later sent to the Indiana Department of Toxicology for evaluation.
A warrant was obtained for Stafford’s arrest this afternoon. Stafford has been under continuous guard while receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the crash.
The Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 31-year-old Maria E. Guetling of Evansville.
“This was a heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedy,” said Sheriff Noah Robinson. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, her husband, and her two children who will now grow up without their mother. We owe it to them to hold impaired drivers accountable and do everything in our power to prevent this from happening to another family.”
ARRESTED:
Malik Latrel Stafford (photo unavailable), 24, of Louisville, KY. Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death as a Level 4 Felony, Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated as a Class A Misdemeanor
PREVIOUSLY: Deputies Investigate Fatal Crash on St. Joseph Ave
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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