Ashley Holmes and Tarsem Singh (Source: ICE)
The mother of a pregnant teenager who died in a devastating car accident in Ohio said she wants Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport the Indian national accused in the accident, adding that she does not want him to remain in the United States.Tarsem Singh, 33, faces multiple felony charges, including manslaughter, reckless homicide and aggravated vehicular homicide, in connection with the deaths of 17-year-old Ashley Holmes and her unborn child. Federal immigration authorities have placed a detention order against Singh, meaning he could face deportation proceedings soon.Ashley’s mother, Annette Holmes, told Newsweek she wants Singh out of the country.The 40-year-old mother said: “No one should deserve to die while pregnant with their first child.”She added: “I agree with him being expelled from the country permanently. We found out that he came here illegally to begin with. They can send him wherever he is better off because I no longer want him in the United States.”According to the family, Singh was the father of Ashley’s unborn child. Relatives also claimed that the teenager tried to leave the relationship on several occasions.
The Department of Homeland Security said Singh illegally entered the United States through the southern border in California in February 2017. He was arrested at the time but was later released on bail after a judge’s order. Singh is now being held on a $1 million bond. His jury trial is scheduled for August 17-21.The fatal crash occurred on February 16 after Singh failed to stop for police and led officers on a high-speed chase.According to a report obtained by Newsweek, the Range Rover carrying Singh and Ashley was first recorded traveling at 79 mph (127 km/h) in a 55 mph (89 km/h) zone. During the pursuit, the vehicle’s speed exceeded 120 mph (193 km/h) before the driver lost control around the turn, crossed into the oncoming lane and collided with a Jeep.The Range Rover rolled over several times, ejecting Ashley from the vehicle. She was mortally wounded, and her unborn child also died.
Singh was injured and airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital.Annette Holmes described her daughter as a caring and cheerful young woman always trying to lift the spirits of those around her. Ashley loved animals, music and spending time with relatives and friends, the family said. They added that she hoped to pursue a career helping others, either as a veterinarian or as a doctor specializing in cardiac care.