INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — More than two months after the crash that killed 18-year-old Mason Alexander, his family says they are finally beginning to see justice take shape.

“This is just the beginning,” Shanice Patterson, Alexander’s cousin, said Monday. She spoke with News 8’s Reyna Revelle just hours after the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office filed a petition to move the case against the 17-year-old driver to adult court.

Alexander, a former Hamilton Southeastern High School football star with plans to play at the University of Pittsburgh, was a passenger when the car veered off the road and struck a tree in Fishers.

Witnesses told police the driver was attempting to pass another vehicle at high speed before swerving to avoid oncoming traffic. The vehicle burst into flames. Alexander did not survive.

Patterson, speaking on behalf of the grieving family, described her cousin as a spirited young man whose life was filled with promise and purpose.

“We always knew one day he was going to carry that field,” she said, referencing his future in college football. “That’s what he did. That’s what he was going to do as soon as he got to Pitt. But we’ve got him now.”

On Monday, prosecutors announced they are seeking to charge the driver with reckless homicide, reckless driving, and possession of false government-issued identification. A judge will decide whether the case is transferred to adult court.

The teen’s name has not been released.

For Patterson and her family, the petition represents more than legal progress—it’s a turning point in their pursuit of accountability. “We’re happy that justice is starting to be served in this matter,” she said.

Still, Patterson says that the day was emotionally overwhelming. “Today has been so hard, but I’m just speechless,” she said. “I wish (Mason) was still here, because it’s almost time for kickoff.”

Patterson also had a message for the driver. “Cars are not something you play with,” she said. “Having your friend or even someone else in the car—you could possibly end your life as well as theirs.”

The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement offering condolences to Alexander’s family and friends.

“This is an unimaginable loss,” the office said. “As prosecutors, we are committed to seeking justice in a way that honors Mason’s life and respects the seriousness of this tragedy.”

Related coverage

• Prosecutor’s office requests juvenile involved in Mason Alexander crash be charged as an adult
• Juvenile driver detained for crash that killed Mason Alexander, family says
• Hamilton Southeastern Schools mourns death of star football player
• Funeral home to host celebration of life honoring Mason Alexander
• Community pays tribute to former football star Mason Alexander
• Family, friends seek answers in death of ex-student-athlete Mason Alexander

CLEVELAND (WISH) — The Indiana Pacers are gearing up for their second game in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Pacers beat the Cavs 121-112 in Game 1 of their second-round series on Sunday night to take a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2 will take place at 7 p.m. EDT inside Rocket Arena.

Indiana though is not dwelling in the past. It knows Game 2 is going to be even more challenging, considering the Cavs will be playing to avoid a 2-0 series deficit.

“We’ve just got to keep concentrating on trying to make it hard for them, both offensively and defensively,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said on Monday afternoon. “And working at getting the shots that we want.”

It’s fair to say most fans inside Rocket Arena on Sunday were rooting for the hometown Cavaliers. But, despite that, the Pacers are feeling support from their fans back in Indiana. For instance, there is a poster that reads “Go Pacers” currently hanging on a wall inside the team’s hotel in Cleveland.

“Jenny Boucek, our (assistant) coach, it was her daughter and her class and what not, put it together, and just, you know, knowing we have the support of everyone back home, and, you know, even the little stuff, like you know, having a lot of the PS&E (Pacers Sports & Entertainment) employees come out yesterday (Sunday) up in the section was like 214, 114, whatever it was,” Pacers center Myles Turner said. “I think that not a lot of people are rooting for us, but the ones that are like, you know, it’s very special.”

News 8 Sports’ Andrew Chernoff took the following photos of the poster inside the team’s hotel in Cleveland:

“It’s great,” Carlisle said. “And after our meeting, the players lined up and got a picture that they’re going to send back to the school. So, it’s pretty cool.”

The Pacers shared a video clip of the moment the players took that photo in front of the poster.

News 8 Sports’ Andrew Chernoff is on the road with the Pacers in Cleveland. He will have live coverage on Tuesday, both before and after the team’s Game 2 matchup against the Cavs. Tune in to WISH-TV to see the reports.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH-TV) – On Monday, Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Indianapolis City-County Council introduced Proposal No. 164, 2025, which allocates $27.2 million in supplemental income tax revenue to various city-county departments and agencies.

Key allocations include $13 million for road improvements and infrastructure upgrades, $2 million for Indy Parks maintenance, and $2 million for the Homeowner Repair Program.

“The close collaboration between my administration and the City-County Council allowed for the creation of a spring fiscal package filled with meaningful investments that will truly impact the lives of our residents,” Hogsett said in a release.

“Our residents deserve a fiscal package that reflects their priorities—from safe streets to thriving parks to sustainable neighborhoods,” Council President Vop Osili said.

The release said that the spring fiscal ordinance includes $2 million to purchase trucks for the Department of Public Works, which will be used for snow plowing and street repair, along with an additional $2 million to hire contractors for snow removal on residential streets.

The proposal also allocates $2 million for Crime Prevention Grants to advance community-based violence reduction efforts, and $1 million for Urban Forest Preservation to promote environmental sustainability.

Additionally, $600,000 is designated for the Circle City Readers tutoring program to improve literacy rates among students, and $500,000 is set aside for implementing safety improvements recommended by the Fatal Crash Review Team.

The proposal is sponsored by President Vop Osili, Majority Caucus Leader Maggie Lewis, Chairman Frank Mascari, and Councilors Andy Nielsen, Dan Boots, and John Barth.

The proposal will be reviewed by the Administration and Finance Committee on Tuesday, May 13, and following their recommendation, it will be up for a final vote on Monday, June 9.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An accident that sent a semitruck over an embankment in Wayne County has forced police to shut down part of westbound I-70 near Richmond.

The crash happened near mile marker 150.8 around 11:45 p.m. Monday. The semitruck involved in the crash was still on the embankment, partially submerged in water, at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

All lanes of westbound I-70 are closed between U.S. 37 and Union Pike Road, the Indiana Department of Transportation says.

Drivers are being detoured off the interstate at State Road 227.

Police have not said when the road will reopen.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A little patchy fog possible early this morning. This afternoon we will see some sunshine and warmer temperatures. These warmer temperatures will continue throughout the rest of the week.

TODAY: Some areas of fog this morning across parts of Indiana. We do have a dense fog advisory and place across parts of southern and southwestern Indiana. This is in place until about 9:00 this morning. You may see reduced visibility at times in these areas. 

The area of low pressure that has been plaguing us for the last several days finally begins to lose its grip across the state. It will move off to the east of us today. A few early morning showers are possible in the northeastern quadrant of the state. Otherwise dry conditions for the afternoon with some sunshine.

 High temperatures will climb close to 70 degrees. Winds will be out of the west at 5 to 10 mph and may gust  at times at 15 mph.

TONIGHT: It remains mostly clear for the overnight hours with temperatures falling into the lower 50s.

TOMORROW: We will see a partly to mostly cloudy sky at times for your Wednesday. High temperatures will climb a little bit warmer into the lower 70s. Normal high for this time of year is 71.

7 DAY EXTENDED FORECAST: A few light showers may be possible on your Thursday with mostly cloudy conditions. High temperatures climb close to 70. 

Lots of sunshine for your Friday with highs in the upper 60s. This weekend looks fantastic with dry conditions and lots of sunshine. On Saturday look for mostly sunny skies with highs right around 75. Perfect weather if you are heading to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

This Sunday Mother’s Day is looking beautiful. Mostly sunny skies with high temperatures climbing into the upper 70s near 80.