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.
Authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred near Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Friday night, leaving a 27-year-old man dead after being attacked by a group of individuals.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and sources close to the investigation, the victim, identified as Michael Arguy Hernandez Jr., was walking near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue when he was ambushed by a group of four people.
During the attack, Hernandez sustained a stab wound to the chest and multiple stab wounds to his back around 9:00 p.m.
Despite his injuries, Hernandez managed to walk a short distance before collapsing at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, where responding emergency personnel found him.
He was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A local resident, whose apartment overlooks the scene, reported hearing screams at the time of the attack but initially dismissed them, believing it to be teenagers making noise earlier in the evening.
Hernandez’s grieving family has since spoken out about their devastating loss, remembering him as a bright and compassionate young man who was deeply devoted to his family. His mother, in a heartfelt plea, described her son as someone with a passion for technology and video games, adding that “he loved his family above all else.”
The NYPD has confirmed that no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
A fundraiser has been organized to assist with Hernandez’s funeral expenses, with his family expressing gratitude for any support as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
“Justice will be served for my son,” his mother declared. “Heaven has gained an angel.”
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).