Man Pleads Guilty in DUI Wreck Which Killed 10-Year-Old Amish Boy; Might Get A Life Sentence

Anthony Miller was a 10-year-old boy living the life of an Amish child in his community in St. Joseph County, Michigan. But Anthony’s life was abruptly cut short, one year ago this week.

On December 2, 2024, Logan Thomas, 30, driving a pickup truck at a claimed speed of 50-55 mph, plowed into a group of four Amish children on the roadside, one of whom was Anthony.

The children “had adequate safety and visibility equipment” and Thomas had an estimated 16-18 seconds to observe the children before impact. However, he never applied the brakes, nor attempted to avoid the children. Anthony Miller died at the scene.

Thomas, his system full of a cocktail of drugs, clearly had no business operating a motor vehicle, and the boy paid for it with his life. More from MLive:

Anthony Miller, 10, of Sherman Township, was injured and pronounced dead at the scene.

Toxicology revealed that Thomas was under the influence of methamphetamine, fentanyl, amphetamine and morphine at the time of the collision, Davis said.

“This tragedy was entirely preventable,” Davis said. “Driving under the influence endangers everyone on the roadway and will not be tolerated in St. Joseph County. Our office remains committed to seeking justice for Anthony and his family, and to holding offenders fully accountable for their choices.”

Thomas also has three prior convictions for operating while intoxicated, and his driver’s license had been revoked, Davis said.

Thomas was also on bond for driving while license suspended in Kalamazoo County at the time of the fatal crash.

Now Thomas may pay for his actions by spending the rest of his life in prison. That’s in part because Thomas is a “fourth habitual offender”, which means he can be given life behind bars.

Thomas was headed to trial, but it’s now being reported he has entered a guilty plea, likely in hopes of getting a lesser sentence. His penalty will be at the discretion of the judge, however. More on his sentencing here:

As part of the plea, the prosecution and defense have jointly recommended a minimum sentence of 7.5 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Judge Paul Stutesman will determine at sentencing whether he will accept that recommendation.

If the court declines to accept the 7.5-year minimum, Stutesman will inform both parties of the sentence he would impose, and either side may then withdraw from the plea agreement.

Thomas will be eligible for parole after serving the minimum sentence. A maximum sentence of up to life in prison will also be imposed, Davis said.

Thomas will receive his sentence on December 19 in St. Joseph County Circuit Court.

Get the Amish in your inbox

Join 15,000 email subscribers. No spam. 100% free

 

 

 

Subscribe