Hearing set for man accused in teen's death

A change of plea hearing has been set for a Bainbridge man charged in connection with the May 21 automobile crash that killed a Greencastle teenager.

Jeremy Wayne Crowder, 23, is alleged to have been the one driving the car when it crashed in a rural area just east of the Parke County line last May, killing 17-year-old Rick Johnston.

The charges against Crowder include operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, driving while suspended, false informing, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

A preliminary plea of not guilty was previously entered on Crowder's behalf.

Putnam Superior Court Robert Lowe approved a change of plea hearing for Crowder for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20.

According to Putnam County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Don VanDer-Moere, he met with Crowder's defense attorney, Justin Long, today during a closed pretrial hearing at which Crowder was not present.

Family and friends of Johnston gathered outside the prosecutor's office Wednesday morning, awaiting word from the hearing.

A few hours before the hearing, a Senior's tow truck was parked outside the courthouse on the corner of Jackson and Washington streets.

On the bed of the truck was the vehicle Johnston and Crowder were riding in on the night of the accident.

A white banner that read, "Our son Rick Johnston was killed in this car by a drunk driver," hung from the side of the truck.

If convicted, Crowder could face 8-28 years in prison.