The New Orleans community is reeling from the tragic loss of two West Jefferson High School students following a car crash last Wednesday that occurred near I-610 and St. Bernard Avenue. The accident happened after a shoplifting incident at Lakeside Mall and a brief police chase involving the suspected shoplifters. According to the FOX 8 Live report, the police pursuit by Jefferson Parish deputies was terminated shortly before the collision.
Authorities have identified the driver of the suspects' vehicle as 31-year-old Joneaka Smooth, who has been arrested and is facing multiple charges including two counts of manslaughter, one count of negligent injury, hit-and-run, and flight from an officer, WDSU News reported. The fatal incident took place when Smooth, driving at a high speed, failed to negotiate a right-hand turn after exiting the interstate, striking an elevated grassy median and then the 2022 Toyota Camry carrying the teenage girls. As a result, two 17-year-olds were pronounced dead, one at the scene and the other succumbing to her injuries a day later, while a third remains in critical condition, as stated by family members.
Following the crash, a last-minute vigil was held at West Jefferson High School, where the victims were commemorated by schoolmates and staff. The school district has issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident and assuring that counseling services are being provided to both students and staff to assist them during this difficult time, WWLTV reported. The school district asks for respect and privacy for the grieving families.
Further adding to the gravity of the event, NOPD has stated that Smooth has a history of theft in Jefferson Parish with a criminal record dating back 10 years, including multiple prison sentences for theft. Among the reported shoplifters, a 37-year-old woman was detained at the scene and later booked on a shoplifting warrant, while two other suspects remain at large, WDSU News relayed. NOPD urges anyone with information about the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to contact their Traffic Fatality Unit or to reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.
President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, Rafael Goyeneche, commented on the chase protocol, suggesting that usually, "departments only chase in cases of a violent crime." Acknowledging the tragedy Goyeneche noted, "that’s probably why the Jefferson parish supervisor ordered the pursuit to stop," as reported by WWLTV. He concluded that while JPSO had the authority to chase the suspects beyond the parish line, it must align with the department's policies on engagement in pursuits.
