Crime
Fatal High-Speed Crash in Baton Rouge Claims Two Lives Following Police Pursuit
BATON ROUGE, LA – March 12, 2025 – A high-speed crash on LA 30 near Bluebonnet Boulevard resulted in the deaths of 24-year-old Jeremiah Downing and 22-year-old Hunter LaGrange, both of Hahnville, Louisiana.
The Louisiana State Police Troop A is investigating the fatal incident, which occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
Preliminary reports indicate that St. Gabriel Police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Downing, for speeding on LA 30.
However, Downing refused to comply and continued westbound at a high rate of speed in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement.
As Downing approached the intersection at Bluebonnet Boulevard, a 2016 GMC Sierra traveling east on LA 30 was attempting to make a left turn onto Bluebonnet.
Investigators determined that Downing disregarded a red light at the intersection, resulting in a head-on collision with the GMC Sierra.
Jeremiah Downing (driver of the Camaro) was unrestrained at the time of the crash.
He sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Hunter LaGrange (passenger in the Camaro) was also unrestrained and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the GMC Sierra was wearing a seatbelt and sustained serious injuries.
They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
At this time, it is unclear whether impairment played a role in the crash.
However, standard toxicology samples have been collected and will be analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Louisiana State Police urge motorists to prioritize safety by obeying traffic signals, avoiding reckless driving, and always wearing a seatbelt.
Additional details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.