Mother of Teen Killed in Ohio Crash Wants ICE to Deport Indian National Charged

The mother of a pregnant teenager who died in a devastating car crash in Ohio has said she wants ICE to deport the Indian national charged over the incident. She says she does not want him to remain in US.

33-year-old Tarsem Singh faces multiple felony charges, including involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide and aggravated vehicular homicide, in connection with the death of 17-year-old Ashlee Holmes and her unborn child. Federal immigration authorities have also lodged a detainer against Singh, meaning he could face deportation proceedings very soon.

Ashlee's mother, Annette Holmes, said she wanted Singh removed from the country. "Nobody should ever deserve to die while pregnant with their first kid," 40-year-old Annette Holmes told Newsweek in a phone interview. She addeed: "I'm OK with him being kicked out of the country permanently. We came to find out he came here illegally at first. They can send him wherever he is best off because I don't want him in the States no more."

According to the family, Singh was the father of Ashlee's unborn child. Relatives also claimed the teenager had attempted to leave the relationship on several occasions.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Singh entered US illegally through the southern border in California in February 2017. He was arrested at the time but was later released on bond following a judge's order. Now, Singh is being held on a $1 million bond. His jury trial is scheduled for 17-21 August.

The fatal crash took place on February 16 after Singh failed to stop for police and led officers on a high-speed chase. According to a report obtained by Newsweek, the Range Rover carrying Tarsem and Ashlee was first recorded travelling at 79mph (127km/h) in a 55mph (89km/h) zone. During the chase, the vehicle's speed went over 120mph (193km/h) before the driver lost control on a bend, crossed into the opposite lane and crashed into a Jeep. The Range Rover overturned several times, ejecting Ashlee from the vehicle. She suffered fatal injuries, and her unborn child also died. Singh got injured and was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital.

Remembering her daughter, Annette Holmes described Ashlee as a caring and cheerful young woman who always tried to lift the spirits of those around her. The family said Ashlee loved animals, music and spending time with relatives and friends. They added that she had hoped to pursue a career helping others, either as a veterinarian or as a doctor specialising in heart care.