Vidalia, LA – Two teenagers were killed in an early morning crash in Concordia Parish, and impairment is suspected as a contributing factor, according to Louisiana State Police.
According to Troop E officials, the crash occurred around 12:37 a.m. Sunday, May 10, on Minorca Road. Investigators say a 2001 Infiniti QX4, driven by 18-year-old Gregory Steele of Vidalia, was traveling northbound when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, and overturned.
Authorities report that 17-year-old Michelle Baity of Natchez, Mississippi, and 19-year-old Jacobo Bonnette of Vidalia sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Neither occupant was reportedly wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Steele, who also was not restrained, sustained minor injuries. A third passenger, also unrestrained, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
State police say impairment is suspected, and toxicology samples were collected for analysis. As a result of the investigation, Steele was arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, underage driving while intoxicated, vehicular negligent injuring, and careless operation.
He was booked into the Concordia Parish Detention Center. The crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Police remind motorists that impaired driving—whether involving alcohol, prescription medication, or other substances—can significantly impact reaction time and decision-making, often with deadly consequences.
