An Indian national is being charged in the United States and faces deportation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after the tragic death of his 17-year-old pregnant partner, Ashlee Holmes, and her unborn child in a high-speed Ohio car crash. Tarsem Singh, a 33-year-old, is currently facing multiple felony charges, including involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and aggravated vehicular homicide, following the February 16 collision.
As the legal proceedings against him move forward, the victim’s family is calling for his permanent removal from the United States, citing his status as an undocumented immigrant.
Who is Tarsem Singh?
Tarsem Singh is a 33-year-old Indian national currently facing serious felony charges in Darke County, Ohio, following a fatal high-speed collision on February 16, 2026. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, Singh led local police on a dangerous five-mile chase reaching speeds of over 100 mph before his vehicle crashed head-on into another car.
The incident resulted in the death of his 17-year-old pregnant passenger, Ashlee Holmes, who was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene, along with her unborn child. Investigations by federal authorities revealed that Singh entered the United States illegally through the southern border in 2017.
Following his indictment on charges including involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and aggravated vehicular homicide, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an arrest detainer against him, ensuring he faces potential deportation proceedings upon the conclusion of his criminal case. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
What Happened?
The incident occurred after Singh failed to pull over for law enforcement. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Singh’s Range Rover was clocked travelling at 79 mph in a 55 mph zone before accelerating to speeds exceeding 120 mph. During the pursuit, Singh lost control on a curve, crossing into the opposite lane and colliding head-on with a Jeep Cherokee.
The force of the impact caused the Range Rover to overturn multiple times, ejecting Ashlee Holmes, who was pregnant with Singh’s child, from the vehicle. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene, and her unborn child did not survive.
A Call for Permanent Deportation
For Ashlee’s mother, Annette Holmes, the legal battle is not just about a criminal conviction but about ensuring Singh never has the opportunity to harm others in the US again. “Nobody should ever deserve to die while pregnant with their first kid,” Holmes told reporters. “I’m OK with him being kicked out of the country permanently. We came to find out he came here illegally at first. They can send him wherever he is best off because I don’t want him in the States anymore.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that Singh entered the United States illegally through the southern border in California in February 2017. Although he was arrested at the time, he was subsequently released on bond by a judge. Following the fatal crash, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is ensuring that if Singh is released from criminal custody or completes his sentence, he will be transferred to federal immigration authorities for deportation proceedings.
High-Stakes Legal Proceedings
Singh is currently being held on a $1 million bond at the Darke County Jail. His attorney has declined to comment on the pending case, which is set to head to a jury trial from August 17 to August 21. As the case makes its way through the justice system, federal officials have used the tragedy to highlight the broader risks associated with unlicensed and undocumented drivers.
“This is yet another tragic reminder of why illegal aliens should not be driving cars on America’s roads,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis in a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. As the August trial date approaches, the victim’s family hopes that the legal system will bring both criminal accountability and, eventually, Singh’s permanent removal from the US.
