Motorist Indicted in Millington Couple’s Deaths

June 10, 2021 – A Munford man has been indicted on two counts of vehicular homicide involving intoxication and recklessness in a crash last year that claimed the lives of a Millington couple, said Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich.

A grand jury also indicted defendant Ethan Wells, 21, with leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence, and reckless driving. He is being held on a bond of $1 million.

Investigators with the Millington Police Department and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said that on Oct. 1, 2020, Wells was driving a pickup truck at a high rate of speed southbound on U.S. Highway 51 at Wilkinsville Road in Millington.

His vehicle crashed into the rear of an SUV, causing the vehicle’s fuel tank to explode. The occupants of the SUV, Thomas Perry, 62, and wife Karen Perry, 61, were killed.

After the crash, investigators said Wells disrobed and tried to run from the scene, but was captured by law enforcement officers after a short chase.

The case is being handled by Asst. Dist. Atty. Vanessa Murtaugh of the District Attorney’s DUI Unit which seeks to reduce the number of DUI-related fatalities and injuries. Members of the Unit also conduct training sessions to keep law enforcement officers updated on new laws and changes to existing laws related to the operation of motor vehicles.