Akron Man Receives 9-1/2 Years For Hit-And-Run Death Of TVMS Student
Akron Man Receives 9-1/2 Years For Hit-And-Run Death Of TVMS Student
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Liz Shepherd-
Akron Man Receives 9-1/2 Years For Hit-And-Run Death Of TVMS StudentROCHESTER — An Akron man received a 9-1/2-year sentence after a hit-and-run vehicle accident resulting in the death of Brelynna "Bre" Felix, a 12-year-old Tippecanoe Valley Middle School student.
Gage Martin Rogers, 27, of 1690 S. Ind. 19, Akron, was charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Level 4 felony; and leaving the scene of an accident with moderate or serious bodily injury, a Level 6 felony.
He was sentenced in Fulton Superior Court on Tuesday.
Background on Case
Around 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, 2021, emergency personnel responded to the area of Ind. 19 and CR 50N, north of Akron, regarding a report of a child being hit by a vehicle. Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that several children were walking together on the road when a boy, who was 15 at the time, was hit by what appeared to be a vehicle's mirror. The boy was later identified as Isaiah Felix.
According to court documents, Isaiah was taken to a Fort Wayne hospital with serious facial injuries. During the investigation, it was also discovered that Brelynna, who had been with the group, was missing.
A search was conducted in the area and Brelynna was found deceased in a field. Evidence at the scene showed Brelynna was hit by a northbound vehicle.
Vehicle parts at the scene appeared to come from a 2002-05 Dodge Ram.
On Nov. 6, 2021, an Akron police officer informed the Fulton County Sheriff's Office about finding the suspect vehicle. The Akron officer said the damage to the vehicle was consistent with what was observed from the accident scene.
In his interview with officers, Rogers said he hit what he believed was a deer north of Akron, before CR 100N. He also provided names of three other individuals who were in the vehicle with him at the time.
Rogers said he didn't stop his vehicle and continued into Mentone to survey the damage. He then drove to Etna Green and returned to Akron the morning of Nov. 6, 2021. Rogers said he was the only person who drove the vehicle from the time of the accident until his interview with officers.
Sentencing
Fulton Superior Court was packed with spectators for Rogers' sentencing. Brelynna's family and loved ones, including her siblings and mother, were seated in the gallery; Rogers' family sat in the jury box.
Defense attorney Alexander Hoover called three witnesses to testify about Rogers' character, the first being Robert Benzing, Rogers' employer.
Benzing told the court Rogers has been employed at Pike Lumber Company for just over a year and said he's a good worker who does his job.
Rogers' grandparents, Pam and Rich Rogers, also testified. Pam described Rogers as a "truthful, honest and good guy," saying Rogers truly believed he hit a deer. Rich apologized to Brelynna's family for their loss.
"No family should ever have to go through that," said Rich. "If (Gage) had known otherwise about what he hit, he would have stopped."
Fulton County Prosecutor Michael Marrs called Ashley Kinsey, Brelynna and Isaiah's mother; and Ali Steyn, Brelynna's aunt, for victim impact statements.
In a letter to the court, Kinsey described the night of the incident and how she didn't know Brelynna died until a couple hours after the accident occurred. Kinsey was heading to Fort Wayne to be with an injured Isaiah when she was informed Bre was missing.
"It was like my insides were being torn from my body," said Kinsey upon hearing the news of Bre's death.
She said Isaiah suffered a severe concussion from the accident, with his memory temporarily stuck in a 30-second time loop. In one instance where Isaiah found out about Bre's death, Kinsey said Isaiah did nothing but scream. Isaiah was later taken to Indianapolis for an emergency jaw repair surgery.
Kinsey described Bre as being her "mini-me, with a bright smile and contagious laughter." She elaborated on how the family decided to cremate Bre instead of having a funeral due to the extent of Bre's fatal injuries.
"She will forever be in our hearts and will be with us daily," said Kinsey. "Our home is an empty reminder of what once was. I pray for peace and healing, but also ask for justice."
Steyn said the night of Nov. 5, 2021, is engraved in her mind. She testified that she and several other relatives were searching for Bre until her body was found about two hours after the accident happened.
"For months I put the blame on myself," said Steyn. "But the only person to blame is the person who drove away. He left her body there while we searched for her in agony. We will continue to grieve Bre's passing for the rest of our lives."
After the victim impact statements, Rogers gave a brief statement in court.
"I'm truly sorry for your loss and I would never wish this upon anybody," said Rogers to the Felix family. "Had I known that's what happened, I would have stopped."
Marrs argued for maximum sentences on Rogers' two charges. He said that had Rogers stopped after the accident, there may not have even been criminal charges filed.
"I think it was clear to him at the time that he didn't hit a deer," said Marrs. "But if you rip the front end of your truck off, you stop."
Hoover described the incident as a "horrific situation" and asked Fulton Superior Court Judge Greg Heller to consider Rogers' character and letters in support of him prior to sentencing.
For failure to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death, Heller gave Rogers an eight-year sentence, with two years in prison, two years served through the Fulton County community corrections or home detention program, and four years suspended on probation.
For leaving the scene of an accident with moderate or serious bodily injury, Rogers received a 1-1/2-year sentence, with one year in prison and six months on probation. Both counts will be served consecutively.
Heller said the case was "tragic and indescribable."
"To me, it's unimaginable to leave the scene of an accident when there is that much damage," said Heller.
After sentencing, Rogers was remanded to the custody of the Fulton County sheriff.
