Jack Henry Kaplan, 22, of Zionsville, was charged and arrested Wednesday for the October 2016 crash wherein he claimed to be the passenger of his own vehicle that crashed and killed another occupant. The crash resulted in his friend’s death, 21 year old (at the time of the crash) James Dupler.
Kaplan stated to officers that he was “too intoxicated” to drive his own vehicle so he had Dupler drive instead. Questionable remarks and strong evidence proved otherwise to Prosecutors. According to the probable cause affidavit, Kaplan lied about being the passenger and in fact was driving his vehicle.
At the scene, Dupler was found outside of the vehicle near the driver’s door, but injuries and evidence tell a different story. Another cause for concern was the fact that Kaplan called his father before 911, and in total was on scene approximately 58 minutes before first responders arrived. Boone County Investigators and the Boone County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team tirelessly combed over all of the facts, and dug deep into the evidence, ultimately providing enough information to the Prosecutor’s Office to take over.
Charges
I: Failure to Remain at the Scene of an Accident, a Level 3 Felony
II: Reckless Homicide, a Level 5 Felony
III: Failure to Remain at the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death, a Level 5 Felony
IV: Causing Death When Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, a Level 5 Felony
V: Causing Death When Operating a Motor Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or more, a Level 5 Felony
VI: Obstruction of Justice, a Level 6 Felony
VII: Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, a Class A Misdemeanor
VIII: Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, a Class C Misdemeanor
IX: Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or More, a Class C Misdemeanor
X: Public Intoxication, a Class B Misdemeanor
A statement from Sheriff Nielsen:
I am so proud of the meticulous and thorough work from our Investigations Division, Crime Scene Investigators and FACT Team in this case. It has paid off today. These evidentiary facts were found through time and diligent work; then presented to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office. They reviewed the facts and the overwhelming evidence in the probable cause affidavit, and believed there is enough to charge Mr. Kaplan with this crime. I want to extend my heartfelt sorrow to the Dupler family for their loss. This is a sad and tragic event where no one wins in the end. But, Mr. Kaplan will have his day in court, and hopefully the truth will prevail.”
A statement from the Dupler family:
“Our family would like to sincerely thank the tireless efforts of the Boone County Investigative Team in finding the truth and honoring James’ memory. There is hope in Jesus, and a measure of peace in knowing the truth. We would also like to thank our family, friends, and Trader’s Point Christian Church for their love and continued prayers of support.”