Crime
22-year-old Janya Butler Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on LA Highway 16 in Tangipahoa Parish
TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. — Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal three-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 22-year-old Janya T. D. Butler of the Town of Tangipahoa early Friday morning.
According to investigators, the crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. on May 23, 2026, along LA Highway 16 at Dykes Lane in Tangipahoa Parish.
Preliminary findings from Troop L indicate Butler was driving a 2026 Kia K4 eastbound on LA Highway 16 when the vehicle crossed the centerline for reasons still under investigation.
Authorities said the Kia first collided with the front bumper of a westbound 2013 Ford F-150. After impact, Butler’s vehicle came to rest in the westbound lane, while the Ford traveled off the right side of the roadway.
Moments later, a westbound 2020 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 48-year-old Franklin B. Turnage of Mount Olive, Mississippi, was unable to avoid the disabled Kia and struck the passenger side of the vehicle.
State police said Butler was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Ford F-150, who was properly restrained, was not injured in the collision.
Turnage, the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, was also reportedly unrestrained and sustained minor injuries.
During the investigation, troopers said Turnage showed signs of impairment.
He was subsequently arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility on charges including:
- Driving While Intoxicated (First Offense)
- Driving While Suspended
- No Seatbelt
Routine toxicology samples were collected from all drivers involved as part of the ongoing investigation.
Louisiana State Police reminded motorists of the importance of wearing seat belts, avoiding impaired driving, and remaining attentive behind the wheel.
Officials noted that Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant to wear a seat belt regardless of seating position, emphasizing that proper restraint use significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in crashes.
The fatal crash remains under investigation.
HAMMOND, Ind. — Dakota Norwood, a 21-year-old woman from Chicago who worked at Walmart, tragically lost her life in a shooting at the store where she was employed on Monday morning, November 2, 2026.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m. at the Walmart located at 1100 5th Avenue in Hammond, Indiana. According to the information provided by authorities, an 18-year-old male entered the store and became involved in a dispute with Norwood. Police described the situation as domestic in nature.
Authorities said the incident began when the 18-year-old male entered the Walmart store and became involved in an altercation with Norwood.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation. During the incident, the male allegedly pulled out a firearm.
The shooting took place at the workplace where Norwood was employed, making the incident particularly heartbreaking for those who knew her and for others connected to the store.
According to the information provided, investigators characterized the dispute as a domestic situation. However, further details about the relationship between Norwood and the 18-year-old male have not been included in the available report.
Authorities have not provided additional information in the supplied account about the events immediately following the confrontation.
Dakota Norwood was just 21 years old. Her death in a shooting at the Walmart where she worked has left a painful loss for those who knew and cared about her.
An ordinary Monday morning at work became the setting for a devastating incident, cutting short the life of a young woman with a future ahead of her.
The tragic death of Dakota Norwood is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact of violence on individuals, families, coworkers, and entire communities.
As more details emerge, thoughts and condolences are with Dakota’s family, friends, coworkers, and everyone affected by this tragedy.
May Dakota Norwood rest in peace.