A man who was charged in connection with a police chase that led to the deaths of two teenagers has been found guilty.
The pursuit happened in December of 2020. Investigators say Jesse Lottie was behind the wheel of a Pontiac Grand Prix, trying to outrun police, when he smashed into another vehicle in the area of 13th Street and Spring Street in Mishawaka, killing 18-year-old Elizabeth Johnson-Neher and her 19-year-old fiancée Clayton McClish.
Lottie was found guilty of multiple counts of resisting law enforcement, leaving the scene of an accident, and carrying a gun without a license. He could face more than 50 years in prison when he is sentenced next month.
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office explains:
Count I: Resisting Law Enforcement, a Level 3 Felony
Count II: Resisting Law Enforcement, a Level 3 Felony
Count III: Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Causing Death, a Level 4 Felony
Count IV: Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Causing Death, a Level 4 Felony
Count V: Carrying a Handgun Without a License, a Misdemeanor
The sentencing range for a level three felony is 3 to 16 years.
The sentencing range for a level four felony is 2 to 12 years.
The sentencing range for an A misdemeanor is up to 1 year.
Lottie will be sentenced on April 12, 2024.
