A Raceland man is facing a vehicular homicide charge after a March 25 crash in Terrebonne Parish that left a Chauvin man dead, according to state troopers.
Investigators say 21-year-old Michael Boudreaux was behind the wheel of a Pontiac that slammed into the back of a Chevrolet on Louisiana Highway 56 at Josie Court. The impact killed 58-year-old Aljean Ledet of Chauvin, who was not wearing a seat belt, and left the Pontiac's driver seriously hurt. Boudreaux later became the subject of an arrest warrant in the case, troopers said.
State Police Outline What Happened
Troopers with Troop C say they were called to the scene shortly after 6 p.m. on March 25. Their initial investigation found that a 2006 Pontiac G6 struck the rear of a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado, causing the Chevrolet to leave the roadway and overturn.
Ledet, who troopers say was unrestrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pontiac's driver was also unrestrained and was taken to a hospital outside the area for treatment. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were collected from both drivers, according to Louisiana State Police Troop C.
Arrest And Charges
In an April 11 update, Troop C said troopers obtained an arrest warrant through the 32nd Judicial District Court charging Boudreaux with vehicular homicide, first-offense driving while intoxicated, reckless operation, no seat belt, and driving under suspension.
According to the same update, toxicology results showed Boudreaux's blood-alcohol concentration was over the legal limit. Troopers say he later turned himself in and was booked into the Terrebonne Criminal Justice Complex on April 9, as detailed by Louisiana State Police Troop C.
What The Law Says
Under Louisiana law, vehicular homicide applies when a death is caused by a driver who is impaired or whose blood-alcohol concentration meets or exceeds the statutory threshold set out in Louisiana Revised Statute 14:32.1. Provisions for operating a vehicle while impaired, including penalties for a first-offense DWI, appear in Louisiana Revised Statute 14:98.
Both statutes are part of the Louisiana Revised Statutes and are available through public legal reference sites such as Justia for La. R.S. 14:32.1 and Justia for La. R.S. 14:98.
Troopers' Warning And Next Steps
State Police again stressed that seat belts remain one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death. Troopers urged drivers to avoid impairment, fatigue, and distractions behind the wheel. The crash, in which both drivers were reported unrestrained, underscores that message, according to troopers.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Troop C's public affairs office. For the full State Police account of the incident and contact details, see the Louisiana State Police release.
