Enacting ‘Brad’s Law’ gives local family something to be thankful for

When Brad Castner, 27, of Holton, was killed March 27, 2024, in a head-on collision in Jackson County and more specifically, Seymour, it seemed there was no justice.

The driver of the vehicle who caused the crash as Castner was simply on his way to work, was from Guatemala, and did not have a license to operate and had never had one. There were no charges filed against the illegal immigrant and no press release or paperwork available concerning the crash.

“It was as if Brad’s life didn’t matter,” a family member told The Versailles Republican.

Brad’s sister, Kendra Castner, his aunt, Cindy Moore and grandmother, Sandra Castner, have not stopped in trying to make a difference. And, when they were contacted by Marine Corps veteran Mike Wright of Seymour, who is going through losing a loved one as well in a similar circumstance, something is finally getting done.

Just recently Jackson County Commissioners approved a resolution in support of Brad’s Law, which reads in part, “Brad’s Law seeks to address significant public safety concerns by enhancing penalties for individuals knowingly operating vehicles without ever having received a license, particularly when such actions result in serious bodily injury, catastrophic injury, or death…” This law proposes that those who knowingly permit or enable unlicensed drivers would be held accountable. Brad’s Law includes critical provisions to address crimes involving non-citizens, including requirements for booking procedures, limitation on pretrial diversion agreement, sentencing guidelines, and enhanced cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In Brad’s Law, it reads, “The Jackson County Commissioners express their full support for Brad’s Law and its proposed measures to enhance public safety within the State of Indiana.”

Another resolution passed has to do with Detention and Documenting Police. Unlicensed individuals would be detained and documented which would include fingerprinting. There is a serious problem in counties such as Jackson where many who appear for court on these types of crimes, say they are not who they said they were when they were arrested. There were hundreds of court cases last year in Jackson County alone where illegals were involved.
Holding the right person accountable is a goal with Brad’s Law, which was written by Wright. He was commended for his work, along with the Castner family, to get something changed.

Wright says Brad’s Law addresses some specific failures in the justice system that contributed to Castner’s death. “The intent is to establish a better set of tools for our statewide justice system in addressing illegal immigrant crime,” he told a news outlet.

Castner was killed just one day after Seymour City Council had a large contingency in attendance at a meeting where they were talking about building an Immigrant Welcome Center. Many were not in favor of the idea.

Attorney General Todd Rokita gave a news release in October saying, “Amid ongoing concerns from community members and elected officials, Attorney General Rokita issued demands to both Seymour and South Bend police departments seeking information on whether their immigration policies comply with state law. We are working to ensure units of local government are following the law.”

Members of the Castner family say they have run the gamut of emotions. First, they feel the senseless loss of their loved one. They say emotions range from deep hurt to anger and finally to finding a way to help make his life more meaningful. When they became involved in helping to get Brad’s Law enacted, they knew it was the right way to go about the situation.

Who was Brad? He was the most kind, fierce quad racing guy around. According to his family, he was a 3 Class Champion with four-wheelers, who was also a favorite at family gatherings where he took the kids on rides. He always had time for others. He loved to work at Dave O’Mara Construction, where he was headed the day of his death. He was smart. Loved working with his hands. He loved life. The holidays are hard without him, but the family is thankful for a little light shining through with Brad’s Law.

The unassuming young man, who attended South Ripley High School for a while, will forever be remembered as someone who made a difference.