Marine Sentenced for Killing Fishers Teacher and Her Husband

Source: Ryan Hedrick / WIBC Radio

INDIANAPOLIS — A U.S. Marine was sentenced to ten years in prison for killing a Fisher’s teacher and her husband in a 2022 car crash. Jaime Heredia was driving nearly 80 mph in a 40 mph zone when he hit Ashley and Grant Lansdell.

On Thursday, a Marion County judge handed down a 10-year sentence with five years suspended, meaning Heredia will serve less than five years. Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Joe Cermack said his office requested eight years in prison, believing it appropriate.

“But I am glad that Ashley and Grant were seen today,” Cermack said. “I’m glad their family was heard. They may be gone but not forgotten.”

Family members of Ashley and Grant Lansdell spent hours reading emotional victim impact statements, recalling happy memories with the couple, and calling for a harsh sentence despite Heredia’s expressed remorse.

WIBC spoke with Bret Lansdell, Grant’s brother, about the sentencing.

Heredia listened to the statements for two hours before briefly addressing the court. He introduced his wife, who is now pregnant with their third child.

The couple is from South Carolina, where Heredia was when he learned about the warrant for his arrest and turned himself in. The crash occurred on July 11, 2022. Grant died that day, and Ashley spent more than two weeks in the hospital before passing away.

“Is it justice? We shall see,” said Bret Lansdell, Ashley’s brother.

Ashley Lansdell worked at Fall Creek Elementary School. Some of her colleagues were present during the sentencing.

“We miss her tremendously,” said Stephanie Dale, who taught at Fall Creek and was also in a book club with her. “My children had her for a kindergarten teacher. So I know firsthand what kind of person and educator she was.”