Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A Goshen woman will serve 8-1/2 years in the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) after driving under the influence, hitting a horse and buggy and leaving the accident scene.
Jakaila Marlyne Miracle, 25, Goshen, was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court III Tuesday, Oct. 13 for failure to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 3 felony; three counts of causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle while intoxicated, all level 5 felonies; and two counts of battery by bodily waste and battery against a public safety official, all level 6 felonies.
The court sentenced her to five years at IDOC for the level 3 felony, with three years executed and two years suspended; for two of her level 5 felonies, she received three-year sentences, with two years executed and one year suspended on each; for the third level 5 felony, she was sentenced to two years, with one year to be executed; and for her remaining charges, she was sentenced to one year, with six months executed.
Following concurrent and consecutive calculations, in total, Miracle received 8-1/2 years in prison, and 5-1/2 years suspended on probation. She also has 137 days of jail time credit, which will go toward her current sentence.
The court retroactively suspended Miracle’s driving privileges, starting on June 4, for 16 years. The court also ordered Miracle to pay all fees, comply with the mandates of probation, and to pay restitution totaling $89,455.46 to the Miller family.
Defense attorney Antony Garza asked for the court to recommend Recovery While Incarcerated for Miracle while in IDOC, which Judge Chad Miner stated that will be up to DOC to make the recommendation.
Deputy Prosecutor Dan Hampton read the victim impact statement from Melvin Miller, the buggy's driver. Miller wrote to the court, asking for “strong consequences” for Miracle after she “turned their summer upside down.” One of the victims, Miller noted, is blind, has special needs and dementia, which has accelerated since the crash. Miller ended the letter by stating “we forgive you … but please make the consequences stiff enough so she won’t do this again.”
Hampton reminded the court that Miracle's blood alcohol content was 0.173, and “according to the affidavit, she was found in possession of marijuana and methamphetamine.”
Garza told the court that Miracle has accepted the plea agreement and her actions. She wrote a letter to all the victims and is on the "path of making wiser choices." Miracle has completed 158 courses and is making an effort in rehabilitation, Garza noted.
“Imprisonment can have negative consequences,” said Garza. “The injuries were severe, and she is trying to rectify what happened. The letters of support show that she has a strong support network.”
Miracle told the court “that night was out of character” for her, and she had no intention of drinking. She told the court how sorry she was for hurting others and for "disrespecting authority."
Miner stated, “Obviously what happened was terrible … but was also easily preventable.” Miner read off each of the injuries that the victims suffered, while noting “this could’ve easily been fatal.” He reiterated she left the scene, and after apprehension did not comply.
On May 29, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of a horse and buggy being hit by a vehicle on Ind. 19, south of Nappanee. The vehicle’s driver left the scene. Multiple people were in the buggy at the time of the accident and were injured.
About 20 minutes after the accident occurred, 911 dispatch received a call about a Ford Fusion driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of U.S. 30, in the area of CR 800W, Etna Green. A Warsaw Police officer located the vehicle near CR 350W and identified Miracle as its driver. The vehicle also had significant damage to its passenger side.
Miracle denied being in an accident and said she hit a deer several weeks ago. Officers noticed Miracle was slurring her words and asked if she had consumed alcohol. Miracle denied drinking and said she just got off work.
On a poor sample for a portable breath test, Miracle’s results were 0.14% BrAC. Law enforcement also located alcoholic beverages inside Miracle’s vehicle.
While at a local hospital for a chemical test, Miracle splashed urine around a hospital room and onto a deputy. Miracle continued to be uncooperative as she was escorted to a bathroom, hitting a deputy in the chest area.
