LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE
Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent
News Release January 31, 2009 Multi-Vehicle Crash Kills Two in Richland Parish
Two Rayville men died in a four vehicle crash in Richland Parish.
The crash occurred on LA 15 at LA 133 near milepost 124.2 in Richland Parish on January 30, 2009 at about 4:38 pm. A 2008 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by Jacob Kelly, 20 years old from Columbia, was traveling south on LA 15 and was slowing to make a right turn onto LA 133. A 1994 Ford Thunderbird was traveling behind the Chevrolet and was slowing down, as the Chevrolet began its turn, when it was rear ended by a 2007 Ford Taurus. This collision forced the Thunderbird into the northbound lane of LA 133 where it was hit head-on by a 2006 Freightliner tanker/trailer (empty). After the initial collision, the Taurus continued forward and struck the side of the Chevrolet truck.
The driver of the Thunderbird, identified as 31 year old Roderick Johnson from Rayville, and his passenger, 20 year old Markeytise Jackson from Rayville, were pronounced dead at the scene by the Richland Parish Coroner’s Office.
The driver of the Ford Taurus, identified as 20 year old Justin Harris from Mangham, was not injured in the crash. The driver of the Freightliner, identified as 32 year old Jerome Thomas from Monroe, and Jacob Kelly were also uninjured.
Justin Harris was arrested by troopers and transported to the Richland Parish Detention Center where he was booked for Reckless Operation of a Vehicle.
Johnson and Jackson were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. All of the other drivers were properly restrained. Alcohol use is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, but routine toxicology tests are pending.
The Richland Parish District Attorney’s office will review the case and determine if additional charges will be filed against Harris.
In 2009, Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers have investigated four (4) fatal crashes resulting in five (5) deaths. Contact Information,
Trooper First Class Mark Dennis
Louisiana State Police
Troop F Public Affairs
Office: (318) 345-2810
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