SOUTH BEND, IN - Prosecutors have filed charges against a man involved in a fatal accident on US-20 in South Bend on July 22, 2023, according to WNDU.
Authorities said 46-year-old Thongkhoun Phommaha of South Bend was driving a Dodge Journey west of Quince Road when he crossed over the center lane and collided with a motorcycle at about 3 p.m.
The motorcycle driver, 59-year-old Mark Pierce, and his passenger, 54-year-old Jane Ryall, both of South Bend, died at the scene. Phommaha tested positive for having THC in his system when the crash occurred, according to investigators. He also allegedly had YouTube playing on his phone at the time.
He was charged with two counts of causing death when operating a vehicle with a Schedule I or II controlled substance in the blood. Phommaha faces a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison if convicted.
