Crime
Gregory Steele Charged After Fatal Crash on Minorca Road in Vidalia Kills Michelle Baity and Jacob Bonnette
A fatal early morning crash on Minorca Road in Vidalia left two people dead and resulted in multiple charges against an 18-year-old driver, according to authorities.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:54 a.m. Sunday, prompting an emergency response from deputies with the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The incident is now being investigated by the Louisiana State Police.
Authorities said Gregory Steele, 18, was arrested following the crash and booked into the Concordia Parish Jail on multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of vehicular homicide
- One count of underage operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated
- One count of vehicular negligent injuring
- One count of careless operation
Investigators said Steele was allegedly driving the vehicle involved in the crash when the deadly incident occurred on Minorca Road.
Officials confirmed that two passengers inside the vehicle, Michelle Baity and Jacob Bonnette, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
Authorities said Steele and another passenger were able to escape the wrecked vehicle following the collision.
Information regarding the extent of injuries suffered by the surviving passenger has not been publicly released.
Investigators have not yet disclosed the exact circumstances that led to the crash or additional details regarding how the vehicle was damaged.
Louisiana State Police continue to investigate the incident, including whether speed, alcohol impairment, or other contributing factors played a role in the fatal collision.
No further information has been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
19-year-old Brianna killed in Lincoln shooting, suspect Tyler Benzel charged with first-degree murder
LINCOLN, Neb. โ Lincoln police have released additional information about a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman identified as Brianna.
Authorities have identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. According to Lancaster County Jail records, Benzel has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death.
According to Lincoln police, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation involving Benzel’s wife, Brianna and other individuals.
Investigators said they believe the confrontation was initiated by Benzel’s wife. Police said Benzel later left his residence and approached the group.
Authorities allege that Benzel told the individuals to leave and made verbal threats before raising a firearm and firing at the group. Police said the confrontation and shooting took place away from Benzel’s property.
Officers arrived at the scene within moments and found Brianna suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical treatment at the scene. Brianna was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. However, investigators said forensic testing is still required to determine whether the recovered firearm was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities said they are not currently aware of any other weapons being involved in the incident.
Police said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived at the scene. Authorities also said Benzel and his wife did not know Brianna or the other individuals involved before the altercation.
Benzel’s wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting at this time.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence, including forensic testing of the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Benzel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.