Negligent homicide case against Gramercy man discontinued due to lack of evidence

Published 11:43 am Saturday, June 8, 2019

EDGARD — The State of Louisiana does not have enough evidence to continue the prosecution of a Gramercy man involved in the fatal wreck that killed 24-year-old Danielle Georgel of LaPlace in December 2016.

The state announced it was dismissing a negligent homicide charge against Christian Moses during a May 28 status hearing in Edgard, according to the St. John Clerk of Court.

Moses was present with his attorney Duray Oubre, standing in for Attorney Teresa Hatsfield. Assistant District Attorney William Dieters was present for the state.

Moses, 18 at the time, was arrested in July 2017 on a negligent homicide charge seven months after the fatal December 2016 wreck that claimed the life of a 24-year-old local
woman. Investigators said Moses was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche when he made a left turn onto Central Avenue in Reserve, striking Georgel in the front passenger seat of a Ford Taurus driven by Tylas Bailey of Vacherie.

According to authorities, Georgel was pronounced dead at a local hospital as a result of injuries suffered in the crash. Bailey was airlifted to University Medical Center with moderate injuries. Moses suffered minor injuries and was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Georgel and Bailey were not wearing seat belts, and Moses was properly restrained, police said. Bailey was also arrested when toxicology results suggested he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.

Former Louisiana State Police Troop B spokesperson Melissa Matey told L’OBSERVATEUR in 2017 that negligent homicide means impairment is not a factor.

According to Matey, crash scene investigators determined Moses’ vehicle turn in front of another vehicle “was negligent,” leading to the collision.

The victim’s family was provided a statement and a photo during the court hearing.