| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5579 | 2013-06-23 | Troop F | Impairment Suspected in Fatal Crash in Franklin Parish |
TROOP F NEWS RELEASE June 23, 2013 Impairment Suspected in Fatal Crash in Franklin Parish On June 22, 2013, at 10:10 p.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 4 east of U.S. Highway 425. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Volvo tractor trailer, driven by 36-year-old Venel Juste of Jackson, MS, was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 4 when it stopped and started backing into King Road after missing a turn. A 2001 Dodge Ram, driven by 22-year-old Courtney Ezell of Winnsboro, was traveling east on Louisiana Highway 4 when it struck the trailer of the Volvo. Ezell suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Franklin Parish Coroner’s office. The passenger in the Volvo, 38-year-old Geraldine Juste of Jackson, MS, and Venel Juste did not report any injuries. Alcohol is not suspected on the part of Ezell. Alcohol use is suspected on the part of Venel Juste. Toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation. Venel Juste was booked into jail in Franklin Parish and was charged with vehicular homicide and improper backing. If convicted, Venel Juste faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Making poor decisions in a vehicle, such as driving while impaired, driving while distracted or reckless driving, leads to serious injuries and deaths across the state each year. Making the responsible decision can mean the difference between life and death. Troopers remind motorists to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol, never get into a vehicle with an impaired driver and never allow an impaired person to get behind the wheel. Troop F has investigated 25 fatal crashes which have resulted in 27 deaths so far this year. Contact Information Trooper Albert Paxton Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section Office: (318) 345-2810 albert.paxton@dps.la.gov | |||
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