AUBURN, IN – The driver accused of killing Master Trooper James Bailey will face a charge of murder.

According to DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney Neal R. Blythe, Terry D. Sands II has been charged with Murder, Resisting Law Enforcement (Level 2 Felony), Operating With a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death (Level 4 Felony), and Resisting Law Enforcement (A Misdemeanor) for his actions on the day of March 3, 2023 that led to the death of Indiana State Police Master Trooper James Bailey.

Trooper Bailey was placing stop sticks on I-69 in Auburn to deter Sands when he was leading authorities on a pursuit. Sands hit the Trooper, killing him.

DeKalb County Court documents say "Weed and speed preceded traffic death" of the Indiana state trooper.

The prosecution is requesting life without parole for Sands. He who also faces charges of operating with a controlled substance causing death, a Level 4 felony, and a misdemeanor count of resisting law enforcement.

Sands was initially charged with resisting law enforcement causing death, a Level 2 felony.

Master Trooper Bailey served the people of DeKalb County and the State of Indiana with honor and courage, and his loss has left a hole in our community.

The most recent announcement in the case of Master Trooper Bailey's death is the first step towards seeking justice for him, his family and friends, and the law enforcement community.

*The case is pending and the investigation is still ongoing. A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and every Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Recap of Events:

At approximately 4:35 P.M. on March 3, 2023, Master Trooper Bailey was working traffic on I-69 when he became aware of a pursuit just south of him. Master Trooper Bailey attempted to assist with the pursuit, and was out of his car working to help the Fort Wayne Police Department officer who was pursuing Terry Sands II. Terry Sands II is alleged to have knowingly or intentionally turned his car directly towards Master Trooper Bailey, which resulted in Master Trooper Bailey being struck and killed by Sands’ vehicle.