The man suspected in a hit-and-run crash at Arthur and Francis Streets in South Bend faces an additional criminal charge since a woman injured in the vehicle he struck passed away.

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office filed a charge of causing death when operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent of .15 or more.

Branstetter’s initial hearing is scheduled for March 18.

Here is more information on the additional charge from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office: 

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has filed an added count against Jeffery Branstetter, 46, in connection with a March 2, 2019, crash at Arthur and
Francis Streets that resulted in the death of Kathleen Trumbull.

Today, the Prosecutor’s Office filed an added count III, Causing Death When Operating a Motor Vehicle with an ACE of .15 or More, a Level 4 Felony.

He was previously charged in this cause number with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Causing Serious Bodily Injury when Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, a Level 6 Felony (cause number
71D03-1903-F6-000218).

Mr. Branstetter has an initial hearing scheduled for March 18, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. before
Judge Marnocha.

The sentencing range for a Level 4 Felony is two (2) to twelve (12) years.

Please be advised that the charges filed against this defendant are merely accusations and
that he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.