Woman facing charges in pedestrian’s death

A Huntingburg woman is facing a preliminary Level 4 felony charge of OWI fatality after striking a pedestrian in Jasper early Thursday morning.

According to Jasper Police, they were dispatched to the 3800 block of Newton Street near Denny’s at about 5:50 a.m. for the report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. When officers arrived, they treated the pedestrian, later identified as Stephanie K. Taylor, 54, of Holland, for the numerous injuries she had sustained. She was transported to Memorial Hospital by ambulance, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, Martha Hale, 20, of Huntingburg, was also transported to Memorial Hospital for a chemical test, which resulted in a presumptive positive for the presence of marijuana in her system. Police also located marijuana and paraphernalia in the 2013 Volkswagon Passat Hale was operating.

Hale was taken into custody on the Level 4 felony charge of OWI Fatality as well as misdemeanor counts of OWI endangerment and possession of marijuana. She was also cited for driving while suspended.

Hale was booked into the Dubois County Security Center with no bond.

Family notifications regarding the pedestrian have been made.

Dubois County Emergency Medical Services, Jasper Volunteer Fire Department and Ruxer’s Towing Service assisted at the scene.