INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Attorneys for the man accused of causing the crash that killed four Amish construction workers in Jay County say they plan to “vigorously” defend his innocence, while pushing back against claims about his legal status.  30-year-old Bekzhan Beishekeev is currently being held in the Jay County Jail on multiple counts of Reckless Homicide and Criminal Recklessness for the Feb. 3 wreck.  “While we believe this was a tragic accident, we do not believe the evidence will prove a crime occurred; and we look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Beishekeev’s constitutional rights in court and telling the full story throughout this process,” his attorneys Michael Cunningham and Kathie Perry said in a joint statement.  Investigators claim Beishekeev swerved into the oncoming lane when he failed to stop for slowed traffic and his semi tractor-trailer struck a full-size fan head-on.  Four passengers in the van, 50-year-old Henry Eicher, 25-year-old Menno Eicher, 19-year-old Paul Eicher, and 23-year-old Simon Girod, died. The driver of the van suffered severe injuries.  They were traveling home to Bryant, Indiana from a construction job.  Beishekeev is a Kyrgyzstan-national now residing in Philadelphia. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) say Beishekeev entered the United States using the CBP One app, which migrants could use for asylum applications under the Biden administration. Pennsylvania later issued him a commercial driver’s license. 30-year-old Bekzhan Beishekeev, charged with Reckless Homicide and Criminal Recklessness following a Feb. 3 crash that killed four. (Photo provided: Jay County Sheriff’s Office) The Trump administration has since revoked the legal status for the 985,000 migrants who entered the U.S. through the CBP One app, citing a lack of a rigorous vetting.  “It is incredibly dangerous for illegal aliens, who often don’t know our traffic laws or even English, to be operating semi-trucks on America’s roads,” Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said after ICE took Beishekeev into custody.  Beishekeev’s attorneys argue he was inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection during the asylum process.  “Mr. Beishekeev was lawfully present in the United States. He sought asylum and the opportunity for a better life in America,” his attorneys said. “Thankfully, in this state and in this Country, the rule of law reigns over politics.” Since the crash, Indiana lawmakers passed legislation adding new oversight of commercial driver’s license holders’ legal status and a requirement to demonstrate English proficiency. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, created a Truck Safety Tipline to report drivers suspected of being in the country illegally, unauthorized to operate or a truck, “or who cannot meet required English-language safety standards”.  Beishekeev is being held on a $100,000 bond. Statement from Beishekeev’s attorneys We first wish to express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those impacted in the tragic automobile accident that occurred on February 3, 2026.The United States of America provides the best opportunity on the planet for folks seeking individual liberty and prosperity for themselves and their families.According to the United States government, Mr. Beishekeev entered our Country, through a previous administration’s policy, which ultimately provided an avenue to schedule appointments and access the asylum process. During these appointments, migrants were inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).More plainly, and according to Pennsylvania officials, Mr. Beishekeev was lawfully present in the United States. He sought asylum and the opportunity for a better life in America.Thankfully, in this state and in this Country, the rule of law reigns over politics.In the United States of America and the State of Indiana, all people, regardless of their citizenship status, are innocent unless the government can prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt – the highest burden of proof under the law.Bekzhan Beishekeev enjoys that presumption of innocence.While we believe this was a tragic accident, we do not believe the evidence will prove a crime occurred; and we look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Beishekeev’s constitutional rights in court and telling the full story throughout this process. -Michael C. Cunningham Kathie A. PerryAttorneys for Bekzhan Beishekeev ...read more read less