By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - A Clermont County grand jury has indicted three men in connection with a crash last month that killed a New Richmond man.

Tony Lee Elam and Donald Morgan Jr., both from the East End, face charges of breaking and entering, grand theft and involuntary manslaughter, while Morgan's half-brother, Christopher Lee Morgan, also of the East End, was indicted on charges of grand theft and breaking and entering.

Officials say that shortly before 1 a.m. June 20, the trio stole about $8,000 in tools from a vehicle parked in front of a house along Lindale-Mount Holly Road in Monroe Township.

An occupant of the house heard what was going on and went outside, officials said.

That's when Donald Morgan and Elam allegedly jumped in their van - leaving Christopher Morgan - and sped away along Lindale-Mount Holly Road (Ohio 749) toward Ohio 132.

The resident followed in his vehicle hoping to get license plate information, while Christopher Morgan fled on foot, police said.

Investigators said that at the intersection with Ohio 132, the van collided with a pickup truck driven by Brian Piatt, 20, of New Richmond.

Officials said the driver of the van ran a red light and caused the crash.

Piatt was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the truck, police said.

The Morgans are being held in the Clermont County Jail. Elam was not arrested.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com