Garret David Markovich, 39, of Cedar Lake, is facing multiple charges after police say he was involved in a crash that left his passenger dead along Interstate 65 in Newton County.
According to court documents, Indiana State Police were dispatched on April 17, 2026, at approximately 6:51 p.m. to a crash involving injuries near the 232.8 mile marker. Troopers later received information that one of the individuals involved may be deceased and responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers observed a black GMC Sierra with catastrophic damage, including the roof being partially torn off, positioned on the inside shoulder. A large debris field, including vehicle parts and a detached tire, was scattered across the roadway. A tractor-trailer with heavy rear-end damage was located several hundred feet away on the outside shoulder.
Police reported the passenger inside the Sierra, later identified as Austin Lee Nitcher, was deceased at the scene. The Newton County Coroner later confirmed his death. Authorities noted the passenger sustained numerous traumatic injuries as a result of the crash.
Markovich, identified as the driver, was transported to Franciscan Health Crown Point for treatment of head pain. Officers reported he submitted a portable breath test showing a result of 0.159% blood alcohol content and noted the odor of alcohol on his breath.
Due to the nature of his injuries, standard field sobriety testing was not conducted. A blood draw was later obtained at the hospital after Markovich consented under Indiana’s implied consent law, with results pending.
Investigators determined the Sierra struck the rear of a tractor-trailer that was either stopped or moving slowly on the outside shoulder. Evidence at the scene, including roadway markings and debris patterns, indicated the Sierra was partially in the travel lane and shoulder at the time of impact.
Witnesses who called 911 reported the Sierra had been attempting to pass vehicles on the outside shoulder prior to the crash, which police said was consistent with physical evidence at the scene.
During an interview at the hospital, Markovich told police he had consumed three 12-ounce beers prior to the crash. He stated he and the passenger were traveling to DeMotte to look at a used car. He also admitted to attempting to pass between two semi-trucks before the collision occurred.
Markovich was later taken into custody and transported to the Newton County Jail.
Charges filed April 20, 2026:
Causing Death When Operating a Motor Vehicle
While Intoxicated (Level 4 Felony)
Reckless Homicide (Level 5 Felony)
Criminal Recklessness – Aggressive Driving
Causing Death (Level 5 Felony)
Reckless Driving Causing Bodily Injury (Misdemeanor)