Serious accidents mar holiday weekend
Four incidents result in injury, death on Howard County roads, July 4-5
The Fourth of July holiday weekend proved to be fatal and injurious on Howard County roads, with four separate, serious vehicular incidents reported July 4-5. Two of these incidents were connected to fatalities. Following are descriptions of each of the incidents, as reported by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, the Kokomo Police Department, and the Kokomo Fire Department.
Motorist with a gunshot wound
On July 5, 2025, at approximately 9:21 a.m., Deputies from the Howard County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 1700 block South on 400 East, in reference to a vehicle colliding into a building with the driver being unconscious and unresponsive. Taylor Township Fire, Kokomo Fire Department, and Ascension St. Vincent EMS were also dispatched to the scene.
Paramedics from Ascension St Vincent Hospital arrived, and the driver was pronounced deceased at 9:40 a.m. The scene was then secured, and the deputies met with the homeowner, who advised that she was inside her home when she heard the noise.
Upon going out to investigate, she discovered that a black colored Dodge pickup truck had run into the backside of her home and then into a detached garage. Upon further investigation, the deputies observed a lone occupant in the cab of the vehicle who was later identified as 22-year-old Brett Anthony Davis of Kokomo.
The Howard County Coroner’s Office, Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, and an accident reconstructionist were called to the scene. Fire department personnel worked to stabilize the two buildings to render them safe for the investigators to proceed.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Mr. Davis had also suffered a gunshot wound. Firearms were also discovered inside the cab of the vehicle.
From preliminary evidence at the scene, Mr. Davis was traveling southbound on County Road 400 East and veered off the east side of the roadway, through a bean field and through a tree line before striking a residential garage and then coming to a rest inside the detached garage on the south side of the residence.
A forensic autopsy is being scheduled by the Howard County Coroner’s Office.
The case remains under investigation by the Howard County Sheriff and Coroner Offices. Anyone with information reference to this incident is asked to contact Detective Scott Waymire at (765) 456-2020.
Alcohol-fueled crash claims a life
On July 4, 2025, at approximately 10:53 PM, deputies from the Howard County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the intersection of CR 600 East and CR 100 South in reference to a two-vehicle traffic crash. Deputies arrived on scene, where both vehicles had rolled over due to the crash with occupants trapped.
Upon arrival of Community Howard Regional Health EMS and upon further assessment, one victim was pronounced deceased at 11:34 PM. The victim was identified as Angela Dawn Murdock, 59, of Kokomo. She was the passenger in a car being driven by James S. Murdock, her husband. The Howard County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene, along with a traffic reconstructionist from the sheriff’s office.
From evidence found at the scene and witness statements, James S. Murdock was driving his 2019 White Jeep Compass westbound on County Road 100 South. As he crossed the intersection of 600 East, a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee was southbound and failed to stop, striking the passenger side of Murdock’s vehicle. The southbound vehicle was driven by Dakota Pogue, age 25, of Kokomo. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
The Sheriff’s Office and coroner investigators were assisted at the scene by the Greentown Police Department, Indiana State Police, Taylor Township EMS and Fire, Howard Community Regional Health EMS, and Howard County Emergency Management.
This is an active investigation by the Howard County Sheriff’s and coroner’s offices. Anyone with information may contact Sgt. Chris Cramer at (765) 456-2020.
Motorcyclist seriously injured
On July 4, 2025, at approximately 6:02 p.m., officers of the Kokomo Police Department responded to a serious bodily injury accident involving a motorcycle at the intersection of Delphos and Morgan Streets.
The preliminary investigation revealed that John Wright, 54, of Kokomo, was operating a black 1997 Harley Davidson. Wright was traveling east on Morgan Street approaching Delphos Street. For an unknown reason, Wright appeared to have activated the rear brake, causing him to lose control of the motorcycle. As a result, Wright dropped his motorcycle and was ejected from his seat. Wright was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
Officers found Wright unconscious with life-threatening injuries. Wright was transported by helicopter to Indianapolis for medical treatment.
This case remains under investigation and awaiting toxicology reports to determine if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash in addition to any possible traffic/law violations.
Anyone witnessing the accident or having additional information is asked to contact Officer Logan McCauley at 765-457-1105.
You can always report tips anonymously by downloading the “Kokomo PD” mobile app from the IOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to the Kokomo Police Department by texting TIPKPD, then a space, and then your tip, and send it to 847411.
One car rolls, another burns
On Sat., July 5, at approximately 10 AM, Kokomo Police Department units responded to the intersection of Morgan and Ohio streets for a report of a single-vehicle rollover with entrapment, and a second vehicle on fire with the driver having escaped.
Kokomo Fire Department personnel from stations, 1, 2, and 3 responded to the call, as well as St. Vincent’s medics and the Kokomo Police Department. KPD mitigated the incident. No casualties were reported.