A crash on Saint Claude Avenue in New Orleans, initially believed to be a deadly hit-and-run, is now being treated as a homicide. Authorities have reclassified the incident as a purposeful killing after new evidence led detectives to believe the crash was intentional.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on April 28, 2026, in the 3900 block of Saint Claude Avenue, where a man was struck by a vehicle and later died from his injuries. Initially, the collision was considered a hit-and-run, but after further investigation, New Orleans police determined that the driver intentionally hit the victim.
Police identified the suspect as Rhonda Watts, who was arrested on May 3 in the 3400 block of Urquhart Street. She is now facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the incident. Detectives from the NOPD Homicide Section are leading the investigation, working to uncover the full circumstances behind the crash.
What Led to the Change in Classification?
According to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), evidence gathered during the investigation convinced detectives that the crash was not an accident. As a result, the case was reclassified from a traffic fatality to a homicide, and Watts was charged with second-degree murder.
Authorities have not yet released details about what motivated the suspect to intentionally strike the victim. The full circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to be revealed in court as the case progresses.
Second-Degree Murder Charge Explained
Under Louisiana law, second-degree murder is defined as a killing that occurs with specific intent or during the commission of certain felonies. If convicted of second-degree murder, Watts faces life imprisonment at hard labor without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The NOPD is continuing to investigate the case and has asked anyone who witnessed the crash, knows the people involved, or has video footage of the incident to come forward. Detectives are working to piece together the events that led to the tragic death.
