A quiet night in central Louisiana turned tragic when a devastating hit-and-run claimed the life of a local teenager and left another seriously injured.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on March 31 along Eddie Williams Avenue. Collin Lacaze, 16, and a 16-year-old girl were standing on the shoulder of the road when a southbound vehicle struck them before fleeing the scene.
Both teens were rushed to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. Despite medical efforts, Lacaze later succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind grieving family, friends, and teammates.
Lacaze was known in the community as a dedicated baseball player at Alexandria Senior High School, where classmates and faculty are mourning the sudden loss. The identity of the injured girl has not been publicly released, and her condition remains undisclosed.
The Alexandria Police Department quickly launched an investigation and urged the public to come forward with any information related to the incident.
In a significant development, authorities confirmed that Julius Layfield, 45, was taken into custody on April 1. He now faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injury, and hit-and-run. Police officials also revealed that the suspect was allegedly driving under the influence at the time of the crash.
The case remains under active investigation as officials continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
This heartbreaking loss has deeply affected the local community, especially those connected to Alexandria Senior High. As the investigation continues, many are left seeking answers—and justice—for a life taken far too soon.
