Family tenderly cares for a newborn girl, birthed following her 17-year-old mother's fatal shooting in a road rage altercation
In a shocking turn of events, a road rage incident in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, has claimed the life of 17-year-old Katelynn Strate and left her newborn baby girl fighting for life.
According to the sheriff's office, Katelynn was shot by a driver in an incident that occurred on a Sunday morning. The baby girl, born at just 3 pounds, 11 ounces, was delivered via emergency C-section following her mother's shooting. Thankfully, the baby is doing well.
The sheriff's office stated that there were no other shots fired in the incident and no weapon was found in the vehicle Katelynn was in. The incident involved tailgating and "brake-checking" between the suspect's vehicle and the vehicle Katelynn was in.
The suspect in the shooting, 54-year-old Barry West, has been charged with second-degree murder and other charges. CNN could not immediately identify whether West has retained a lawyer to comment on his behalf.
Nearly 60% of the state's fatal crashes and traffic deaths were linked to aggressive or careless driving, the highest rates in the nation, according to a report. Louisiana topped the list of states with the most road rage for the second year in a row, according to a Consumer Affairs report.
Katelynn's family maintains the incident was unprovoked. They are speaking out to ensure "justice is pursued" and emphasize that the tragedy was "preventable." In addition to raising awareness about the dangers of road rage, Katelynn's family wants justice for Katelynn and to see West charged to the fullest extent of the law.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has condemned the tragedy as "senseless," stating there was no excuse for it happening "all because of road rage." The sheriff's office is encouraging people who have had similar encounters with the suspect to come forward.
Katelynn was a true country girl who enjoyed spending her weekends out on the lake, fishing, and spending time in the woods. She was active and had a great sense of humor, as shown by a video of her doing cartwheels with a bandaged arm.
Tragically, Katelynn died as a "donor hero," and her organs were donated. A GoFundMe for Katelynn's funeral expenses and baby care has raised over $45,000 in the days since her death.
The violent incident has sparked widespread condemnation, along with a conversation about road rage. As we mourn Katelynn's loss, let us also remember her vibrant spirit and the life she could have had. Let us hope that her story serves as a reminder to drive safely and with respect for others on the road.
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