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Denham Springs – On July 27, 2023, Troopers arrested 49-year-old William Cokes of Baton Rouge.  Troopers conducted a thorough investigation and subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Cokes on the following charges: Vehicular homicide, First degree vehicular negligent injuring, Reckless operation of a vehicle, Driving on the right side of road, Possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, and No driver’s license.  Cokes will be booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center upon discharge from medical treatment.

TROOP A ORGINAL NEWS RELEASE

July 13, 2023

Unrestrained Driver Killed in Three-Vehicle Livingston Parish Crash

 

Denham Springs – Yesterday, shortly after 2:15 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a three-vehicle crash on LA 64 near LA 1019 in Livingston Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 19-year-old Caleb Easterling of Denham Springs.

The initial investigation revealed that 49-year-old William Cokes of Baton Rouge was driving a 1998 Dodge Dakota headed east on LA 64.   At the same time, Easterling was traveling west on LA 64 in a 2009 Ford F-150.  For reasons still being investigated, Cokes crossed the centerline and struck the F-150 head-on.  In addition, a 2015 Dodge Charger headed west on LA 64 struck the rear end of the F-150.

Easterling, who was not restrained at the time of the crash, sustained severe injuries and was transported via air-med to a local hospital.  He later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  The drivers of the Dakota and Charger were properly restrained and sustained moderate to severe injuries in the crash.  This crash remains under investigation and any pending criminal or traffic violations shall be forwarded to the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics demonstrate that properly worn restraints can significantly reduce your risk of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.