Louisiana cop charged for crash that left two high school cheerleaders dead

A Louisiana cop is going through fees for plowing into an unrelated automobile and through a high-speed chase on New 12 months’s Eve — leaving two highschool cheerleaders useless.

Officer David Cauthron, 42, of the Addis police drive, was charged with two counts of negligent murder Sunday within the deaths of Maggie Dunn, 17, and Caroline Gill, 16, in accordance with WBRZ.

Maggie’s brother Liam Dunn, a freshman on the College of Louisiana at Lafayette, was reportedly critically injured within the crash.

Eighteenth Judicial District Lawyer Tony Clayton berated the cop, who has been with the police division for lower than a 12 months. He beforehand labored for a sheriff’s workplace within the state.

“That cop has lots of inquiries to reply pertaining to his pace and sheer negligence,” Clayton stated Sunday, in accordance with WBRZ. “The general public can relaxation assured, we’ll comply with the details.”

Sources informed the information outlet that Cauthron’s automobile was going about 86 miles per hour in the course of the chase of suspect Tyquel Zanders, who’s accused of stealing a member of the family’s automobile. Sources additionally informed the information station the police officer didn’t slam on the brakes earlier than hitting the automobile the ladies have been in.

Witnesses stated Cauthron ran a crimson mild when his police automobile reached the intersection and bumped into the victims’ automobile round midday, in accordance with the information station.

The chase started when Zanders, 24, entered a house the place he was not welcomed and shoved his father to the bottom earlier than taking the keys to a Nissan, The Advocate reported, citing Clayton and reserving paperwork.

Zanders, who was later arrested when his automobile stalled, is anticipated to additionally face fees of manslaughter within the deaths of the 2 women on high of the fees tied to the automobile theft, in accordance with the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Workplace, the newspaper reported.

“He put the chain of occasions into play,” Clayton, the prosecutor, informed The Advocate. “He’s chargeable for all of the reactions to his actions. He’s going through two counts, and if that poor child doesn’t survive, he’ll face one other.”

The West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Workplace additionally carried out the arrest of the police officer, in accordance with the newspaper.

The 2 slain highschool college students have been remembered by the Brusly Excessive Faculty cheerleading staff in a Fb publish Sunday.

“As we mourn the tragic deaths of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill please preserve their households, pals, and the BHS neighborhood in your ideas and prayers,” the cheerleading staff acknowledged. “Their enthusiasm and brilliant smiles shall be missed greater than may be imagined.”

The highschool stated Dunn was a junior and Gill was a sophomore.

“We’re saddened by the loss to our college neighborhood and can make each effort that can assist you and your youngster as you want,” stated highschool principal Walt Lemoine.