Columbus man sentenced to 20 years for fatal 2025 drug-fueled crash

FRANKLIN, Ind. (WRTV) — A Columbus man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a high-speed drug-fueled crash that killed a 29-year-old man in 2025, the Johnson County prosecutor said in a news release issued Wednesday.

Jerrin Alan Staker, 44, pleaded guilty Monday in Johnson Superior Court 3 to a mid-level felony count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death, and a habitual offender enhancement.

The crash happened July 6, 2025, at the intersection of North Morton Street and Commerce Drive in Franklin. Witnesses reported Staker was driving a blue Jeep southbound at speeds estimated to exceed 100 mph, swerving through traffic and disregarding traffic signals.

Staker ran a red light and struck a vehicle driven by Braden Christopher Robertson, who was lawfully turning west onto Commerce Drive. Robertson died at the scene. His obituary said he was from Franklin, and authorities said he was from Fairfield, Illinois.

An investigation by the Franklin Police Department revealed drug paraphernalia inside the Jeep. A search warrant for Staker’s blood showed high levels of methamphetamine and fentanyl in his system. Staker also admitted to emergency medical personnel that he had used drugs before the collision.

During the guilty plea and sentencing hearing, Staker accepted responsibility and offered an apology to Robertson’s family.

Robertson’s mother, Jennifer Robertson, spoke about her son’s character and his legacy as an organ donor. She told the court she has been contacted by at least two individuals whose lives were changed by her son’s gift.

“This sentence holds Staker accountable for the choices that took the life of an innocent person,” said Matthew Kubacki, homicide chief deputy prosecutor, in the news release. “While no sentence can restore Braden to those who know and love him, I hope today’s resolution provides them with a measure of justice and allows them to continue honoring Braden’s remarkable legacy.”

Also in the news release, Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner commended the Franklin Police Department for its investigation and the evidence assembled for the case. “While no sentence can restore the life that was taken, I hope this sentence gives the Robertson family some measure of peace, knowing that the person responsible has been held fully accountable under the law.”