UPDATE- Pregnant Teen Shot in Road Rage Incident Dies, Charges Upgraded
UPDATE- Pregnant Teen Shot in Road Rage Incident Dies, Charges Upgraded
This evening, following her family's decision to give the Gift of Life, the victim in this case has officially become a donor hero.
The young mother has been identified as 17-year-old Katelynn Strate of Ponchatoula. Her 28-week-old baby continues to do well under medical care.
The charges against the suspect in this case, 54-year-old Barry West, have been upgraded to include one count of 2nd Degree Murder. The remaining three counts of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder remain, along with one count each of Illegal Use of a Weapon and Obstruction of Justice.
Over the past year, the TPSO has maintained a consistent and diligent practice of proactively publicizing the activities of public interest occurring around the parish in a timely manner. The timing of this specific release was guided by respect for the sensitivity surrounding the difficult end-of-life decisions this victim's family was facing.
To address questions regarding this suspect's association with TPSO, records dating back as far as our system currently allows (2007) do not show any employees with the last name of West.
On the subject of the suspect, if anyone believes they have had a similar encounter with this suspect in the past, please contact our Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088 to file an official report.
