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Collin Lacaze, 16, of Alexandria, was killed in a pedestrian accident on Eddie Williams Avenue near Tulane Avenue in Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana, on Tuesday, March 31, according to the Alexandria Police Department.
Officers arrested 45-year-old Julius Layfield the following morning on charges of vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated, vehicular negligent injury, and hit-and-run. Bond was set at $300,000.
The southbound vehicle struck two teenagers who were standing on the right shoulder of the road at approximately 11 p.m. before fleeing the scene, investigators said.
Paramedics took both victims to a local hospital with serious injuries, where the male teenager was pronounced dead. The condition of the 16-year-old girl was not immediately available.
Police Chief Chad Gremillion stated the suspect was driving drunk at the time of the crash. Authorities have not released why the teenagers were on the shoulder as the investigation continues.
While criminal charges address the immediate actions of the impaired driver, independent investigations often reveal broader systemic factors in pedestrian accidents. In pedestrian accidents such as this, crash reconstructionists examine vehicle dynamics, collision points, and roadway infrastructure to understand the full scope of the crash.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "The data on hood height tells us that modern SUVs are twice as likely to kill a walker. It's because the front-end geometry strikes a person's chest instead of their legs, causing much more internal damage."
How do criminal charges affect the investigation on Eddie Williams Avenue?
When a driver faces charges such as vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated, law enforcement agencies conduct rigorous forensic analyses. Investigators will review toxicology reports, tire marks, and vehicle damage to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the fatal collision on the shoulder of Eddie Williams Avenue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving is a factor in approximately 46% of pedestrian deaths nationwide.
In cases involving severe injuries and death, understanding the physical environment is also important. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, noted that "High hoods on modern SUVs make them much more likely to kill a pedestrian than a standard car."
What are the historical pedestrian crash trends in Louisiana?
The fatal collision in Alexandria reflects a broader safety challenge across the state. According to data from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, pedestrian deaths have increased steadily in recent years, rising from 117 deaths in 2020 to 185 in 2023. Preliminary data indicates 183 pedestrian deaths occurred on Louisiana roads in 2024.
Individuals involved in pedestrian accidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
Louisiana wrongful death statute
Under La. Civ. Code Art. 2315.1, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Louisiana applies pure comparative fault. The prescriptive period is 1 year from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of love and affection, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pain and suffering.