LaDerica Stewart dies in fatal Baton Rouge hit-and-run crash
Fatal Baton Rouge hit-and-run crash death of LaDerica Stewart – Obituary
LaDerica Stewart, 22, was killed early Sunday morning in a hit-and-run collision on Plank Road in Baton Rouge, according to police. Her cousin, Di’Arbonee Smith, was seriously injured in the same incident, which also left two others hurt.
Investigators say the crash occurred around 3:15 a.m. when a speeding SUV traveling approximately 12 miles per hour over the limit struck a group of four pedestrians crossing the road. Authorities later identified the SUV as belonging to 34-year-old Taquencya Harris.
Police allege that Harris took the damaged vehicle to a repair shop on Greenwell Springs Road and told workers the front-end damage came from hitting a deer. However, investigators matched debris from the crash scene to her SUV. A video provided by her boyfriend also showed Harris behind the wheel close to the time of the incident.
Harris is now wanted on several charges, including two counts each of hit-and-run resulting in injury or death, and standard hit-and-run, along with obstruction of justice and careless driving.
Law enforcement is continuing the search for Harris, and anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Baton Rouge Police.
