Results of toxicology tests ordered in early May for the driver of a vehicle that struck two young Mishawaka sisters, killing one, are still pending.

Meanwhile, the surviving sister, critically injured in the accident, appears close to death, according to the girl’s aunt.

Catherine Wilson, St. Joseph County prosecutor’s office spokeswoman, said Thursday that a private Indiana lab is now handling the toxicology testing and that prosecutors are awaiting results before deciding whether to file charges in the case.

Initially, samples for testing were sent to the state lab, Wilson said, but a testing backlog there resulted in an estimated delay of 12 to 18 weeks, which would have pushed a decision on charging back to at least early August.

Wilson said investigators are hopeful the switch will expedite the process.

The tests were ordered in early May after 56-year-old Leroy Hoover, of Mishawaka, reportedly ran down sisters Shayla and Shianna Aston while driving through the intersection of Dodge and 11th streets in Mishawaka.

Shayla, 4, was killed in the accident, and 6-year-old Shianna was critically injured.

Linda Peffley, the girls’ maternal aunt, told The Tribune on Thursday that Shianna spent a short time in the hospital after the accident but has since been transferred to a hospice care center in Elkhart, where she remains under 24-hour care in a vegetative state.

“It could be a matter of a day or two,” Peffley said of doctors’ estimates of how long her niece might live. “I don’t know, the way she looks now, she looks really weak.”

Peffley said her sister, Shelly Aston, Shianna’s mother, sits with her daughter daily, and other family members visit when possible.

“We’re getting by,” Peffley said.

Asked whether the delay in the case was frustrating, she answered emphatically.

“Yes, yes, yes. Yes, it is.”

Peffley said she also found it frustrating that, despite a poor driving record, Hoover continued to have his operator’s license renewed.

A Tribune investigation in mid-May revealed Hoover had a history of accidents. In the past 13 years, he had reportedly struck a light pole, a gas pump and a 13-year-old boy. He had also had his license suspended multiple times.

“I don’t know why he was even driving in the first place, with the record he had,” Peffley said. “I know accidents happen, but I don’t think he should have been driving.”

Staff writer Erin Blasko:
eblasko@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6187