A tragic weekend on Tangipahoa Parish roads left two people dead and several others injured in separate crashes late Friday into early Saturday. Authorities reported that a six-month-old girl from Hammond and a 22-year-old woman lost their lives, with investigations highlighting issues like unrestrained passengers, lack of proper child restraints, and suspected driver impairment.
First Crash on U.S. Highway 51
The first incident occurred around 11:50 p.m. Friday on U.S. Highway 51, just south of LA 1064. A 2013 Hyundai Elantra driven by 25-year-old Resjyne N. Griffin ran off the road and struck a culvert. Two unrestrained minors were injured, and six-month-old Kaybri Robinson of Hammond later died at a local hospital.
Louisiana State Police said Griffin, who was not wearing a seat belt, showed signs of impairment. She faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injury, no child restraint, careless operation, open container, and driving without a license. Routine toxicology samples were collected as part of the investigation.
Second Crash on LA Highway 16
The second deadly crash occurred early Saturday on LA Highway 16 at Dykes Lane near Amite. A Kia K4 crossed the centerline and was struck by two westbound trucks. Twenty-two-year-old Janya T. D. Butler, who was unrestrained, died at the scene.
Forty-eight-year-old Franklin B. Turnage of Mount Olive, Mississippi, was arrested on suspicion of DWI, driving while suspended, and failure to wear a seatbelt. Investigators also collected routine toxicology samples from the drivers involved.
Importance of Proper Restraints
Both crashes highlight the critical importance of seat belts and age-appropriate child restraints. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that correctly installed car seats can reduce fatal injury by approximately 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
The CDC also warns that misused or missing restraints leave children highly vulnerable in crashes. Louisiana law mandates that vehicle occupants be properly restrained, and authorities emphasize that proper seat belts and child seats significantly reduce the risk of death or serious injury.
Charges and Investigation
Both crashes remain under active investigation. Resjyne Griffin is expected to be booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility on charges including vehicular homicide, no child restraint, and other related offenses. Franklin Turnage has been booked on charges of first-offense driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, and failure to wear a seatbelt.
Car Seat Resources for Caregivers
Louisiana State Police and safety advocates encourage caregivers to visit certified car-seat fitting stations if they are unsure about proper installation. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission provides resources, including fitting-station locations and schedules for all State Police troop areas. These services help ensure child safety and compliance with state laws.
