Crime
Children killed in I-65 crash in Hobart identified
HOBART, Ind. — Authorities have identified the three passengers killed in a devastating Interstate 65 crash in Hobart, Indiana, that also left another child critically injured and could result in multiple felony charges against the driver, according to the Indiana State Police.
The victims were identified as 9-year-old Royce Sims, 5-year-old Artavius Sims, and 19-year-old Raniah Simpson.
A fourth child, 7-year-old Terrion, survived the violent collision but remains hospitalized in critical condition with severe injuries.
Investigators said the deadly crash occurred shortly after midnight on Friday, May 15, along southbound I-65 about one mile south of Ridge Road in Hobart.
According to state police, 31-year-old Renee Foster of Gary was driving a Ford Explorer southbound on the interstate when the SUV allegedly rear-ended a disabled semi-tractor trailer that had been parked on the right shoulder of the highway.
Troopers said the Ford Explorer struck the semi-truck “at a high rate of speed,” causing catastrophic damage to the SUV.
Authorities reported that three of the four juvenile passengers inside the vehicle died from injuries sustained in the crash.
One of the victims was reportedly ejected from the SUV during the impact.
The surviving child, Terrion, suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted by medical helicopter to the University of Chicago Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Renee Foster also sustained injuries in the collision. Officials said she suffered upper-body injuries and was transported to Franciscan Health Crown Point for medical care.
The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.
During the investigation, Foster reportedly told troopers that she had fallen asleep behind the wheel before the crash occurred.
The heartbreaking tragedy has devastated multiple families. Royce and Artavius Sims leave behind their younger brother, Terrion, who remains hospitalized as he continues fighting for his recovery.
Family members, including Renee Foster and Michelle Foster, are now mourning the unimaginable loss of their loved ones while dealing with the aftermath of the catastrophic crash.
According to Indiana State Police, both Foster and the semi-truck driver consented to blood draws following the collision.
Toxicology results are still pending.
Authorities said the following recommended charges have been submitted against Foster to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review:
- Four counts of neglect of a dependent, Level 5 felonies punishable by one to six years in prison
- Reckless driving, a Class A misdemeanor
- Driving while suspended, a Class C misdemeanor
- Four child restraint violations
Indiana State Police noted that Foster was not in custody at the time of the announcement because she was still receiving medical treatment.
Officials also emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The fatal I-65 crash investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and awaiting toxicology test results related to the tragic collision in Hobart.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.