MUNCIE — A man accused of hitting and killing a man in 2018 in Muncie and leaving the scene has been arrested, police said.
Mitchel Masterson was charged Thursday with one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, according to online court records.
According to a probable cause affidavit, investigators learned Masterson "was white as a ghost" and told someone he had just hit a deer.
He eventually told others he hit Joe Minor Jr. and was laughing during some conversations, according to the affidavit.
Minor was struck about an hour before his 27th birthday near Colonial Crest Apartments on South Morrison Road in Muncie.
He was taken to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital where he died on his birthday.
Police believe Minor was struck almost an hour and a half before someone found him and called police.
Through the investigation, detectives were able to determine Masterson was driving and struck Minor, according to the probable cause affidavit.
A vigil was held just days after he was killed to remember him.
Friends and family of Joe Minor Jr. say they will remember his as a “good, smart kid.” @rtv6 pic.twitter.com/AIrxcX3MkX
— Andrew Smith (@AndrewSmithNews) October 17, 2018
During the vigil, his mother, Teresa, said she just wanted to know why.
"I guess I just want to know why," Teresa said. "Why you would leave somebody just lay there, brain-damaged, choking on blood, leave them to die with no regard to human life."
-
IMPD specialized teams recover nearly 2,000 guns in 2025
Newly released numbers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department highlight the significant impact of specialized teams working to reduce violent crime across the Circle City.
Carmel Police roll out new tech to protect officers during traffic stops
The Carmel police are introducing new technology to protect officers during traffic stops, following a weekend when three Indiana State Police vehicles were struck while parked on the roadside.
Holiday prices rise as tariffs and inflation hit retailers and customers
The most wonderful time of the year could soon become the most expensive as retailers and customers alike deal with rising inflation, new tariffs and higher operating costs this year.
Monroe County cancels homeless camp eviction on county-owned land
Monroe County hoped to remove a homeless community between Switchyard Park and RCA Community Park before Christmas. Instead, the tents will remain for the foreseeable future.
