Fatal Crash in St. Tammany Parish Claims Life of 8-Year-Old
ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA — A woman has been arrested following a crash on LA Hwy 40 that resulted in the death of an eight-year-old on September 16.
Candace L. Leblanc, 39, of Covington, was taken into custody after tests confirmed impairing drugs in her system at the time of the incident, according to Louisiana State Police (LSP). She faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, no child restraints, possession of alcoholic beverages in a vehicle, driving without a license, and careless operation.
Authorities stated that Jewel Leger, 8, was riding as a passenger in Leblanc's vehicle, which was traveling west on LA Hwy 40 near Hurd Road. The car reportedly veered off the road and struck a tree.
LSP officials confirmed that Leger, sitting in the front passenger seat without a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
This investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.