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.
Crime
Greenville County Murder-Suicide: Chloe Jade Brown and Dreak Wright Dead After Elmwood Avenue Shooting
GREENVILLE, South Carolina — A fatal shooting at a home on Elmwood Avenue in Greenville County claimed the lives of a man and a woman on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2026.
The victims have been identified in information shared with the public as Chloe Jade Brown, a young mother, and Dreak Wright. The incident has been described as a suspected murder-suicide.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to Elmwood Avenue before 9 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they found a man and a woman who had both sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
According to the supplied account, Wright allegedly shot Brown before taking his own life. The identities and sequence of events should be treated as reported information until confirmed by authorities.
Chloe Jade Brown has been remembered by friends and loved ones as a caring mother and a bright presence in their lives.
Following news of the deadly incident, tributes expressed grief over her death and concern for the children she leaves behind. Those mourning her have offered prayers for her children, family and everyone affected by the tragedy.
The loss of a mother has prompted particular concern for the children’s well-being and the emotional support they may need as they cope with their loss.
Some people sharing tributes to Brown alleged that she had experienced domestic violence. However, the information available does not independently confirm those claims or establish whether domestic violence played a role in the shooting.
Authorities have not provided further details in the supplied report about the circumstances leading up to the incident, the relationship between the victims or any previous reports of domestic disputes.
These details should be verified before being presented as established facts.
Deputies with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Elmwood Avenue residence before 9 p.m. Tuesday. They found both victims dead from gunshot wounds, according to the agency’s initial account.
The incident has been described as a murder-suicide in the supplied information, but additional official confirmation is needed regarding the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The tragedy has left friends and loved ones mourning both individuals, while tributes to Brown have highlighted the impact her death will have on her children.