AUBURN, Ind. (ADAMS) – A judge in DeKalb County has sentenced Terry Sands to 41 years in prison for hitting and killing Indiana State Police Master Trooper James Bailey in March 2023. Bailey was hit and killed on Interstate 69. Sands was initially charged with murder, but reached a plea deal on charges of aggravated battery and resisting law enforcement and the murder charge was dropped. Widow Amy Bailey said Sands does not ever deserve to be free and “his life should be forfeited like he chose to forfeit my husband’s.”
Indiana State Police released the following after the sentencing:
Master Trooper James Bailey was committed to his family and his community as a loving father and protector. James was well known and respected by his shift partners and the other police agencies with whom he enjoyed working closely. The Troopers of the Fort Wayne District were better for the training James provided within his multiple disciplines.
This continues to be a difficult time for the Bailey family, the Indiana State Police family, and the entire Dekalb County community. In conversation with James’ family and the DeKalb County Prosecutor, we stand with the decision made to accept the guilty plea and move forward.
We will continue to focus on James’ legacy and honor his service to the citizens of the State of Indiana.
“Master Trooper Bailey will forever be a hero in our hearts, for his death, although tragic, saved the lives of innocent motorists, stalled on the Interstate during a storm. James will be missed but will always be remembered,” said Lieutenant Corey Culler, Fort Wayne District Commander.
The family of Master Trooper James Bailey request continued observance of their privacy as they continue to remember and honor James.
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