VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Louisville Man Arrested in Fatal June 16 Crash
EVANSVILLE, IN – A breakthrough has been made in the investigation into a devastating traffic collision that claimed the life of 31-year-old Maria E. Guetling of Evansville. On Wednesday, June 17, 2025, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with local investigators, arrested 24-year-old Malik Latrel Stafford of Louisville in connection to the fatal crash that occurred the previous day.
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What Happened on June 16
- Around 3:25 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, deputies were dispatched to a serious two-vehicle crash in the 6700 block of North St. Joseph Avenue, just north of Wimberg Road .
- The preliminary investigation revealed that Stafford, driving a northbound box truck, crossed over the center line and collided head-on with a southbound SUV.
- The driver of the SUV, later identified as Maria E. Guetling, was pronounced dead at the scene.
- A young child—Maria’s child—was in a car seat in the SUV and suffered minor injuries; they were transported to a local hospital.
- Stafford sustained internal injuries from the crash and was taken to the hospital for treatment .
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Impairment Suspected: Investigation and Arrest
- During Stafford’s hospital stay, a certified drug-recognition expert from the sheriff’s office evaluated him and noted signs consistent with cannabis impairment, including bloodshot eyes, poor coordination, disorientation, and rapid heart rate.
- Both a urine test and oral swab came back positive for cannabis. A blood sample was also collected and sent to the Indiana Department of Toxicology for further analysis .
- Based on these findings, investigators obtained a warrant for Stafford’s arrest.
- On June 17, Stafford was placed under arrest while still receiving medical care, with continuous guard in place .
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Charges and Outlook
Stafford is charged with:
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death (Level 4 Felony)
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (Class A Misdemeanor)
The charges reflect both the fatal outcome and suspected impairment at the time of the collision.
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Victim Identified: Maria E. Guetling
- The Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the victim was 31-year-old Maria E. Guetling, a young mother from Evansville .
- Authorities note that her death was entirely preventable, and that enforcing measures against impaired driving is crucial to preventing future tragedies .
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Officials Respond
Sheriff Noah Robinson expressed sorrow over the incident:
“This was a heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedy… We owe it to them to hold impaired drivers accountable and do everything in our power to prevent this from happening to another family.”
He stressed ongoing efforts to combat impaired driving and protect area families.
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Next Steps in the Case
- The Indiana Department of Toxicology results are pending and may further inform the legal proceedings.
- Stafford, currently hospitalized, is expected to be released soon and then transferred into the custody of the Vanderburgh County Jail.
- Attorneys and the courts will follow due process, with Stafford presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Final Thought
The fatal crash on St. Joseph Avenue has left a young family mourning. With Stafford now in custody and facing serious charges, authorities and community members alike are calling for renewed vigilance against impaired driving. As this case advances through the legal system, it underscores the severe consequences when drivers choose to operate a vehicle under the influence—especially when it ends in loss of life.
This remains an active investigation. Updates will be provided as court proceedings move forward.