Avoyelles Parish Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide

On June 18, 2021, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a three-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 1 near Hamburg. This crash ultimately claimed the life of 63-year-old Arlene Juneau, of Baton Rouge.

The initial investigation revealed a 2015 GMC Sierra, driven by 42-year-old Kenneth Normand, of Hessmer, was traveling southbound on Louisiana Highway 1. For reasons still under investigation, Normand crossed the center line into the northbound travel lane and struck head-on a 2021 Ford Expedition, driven by Juneau. Also struck by road debris from the initial crash was a northbound 2017 Hyundai Elantra.

Juneau, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Normand, who’s restraint usage was unknown, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra, who was restrained, sustained no injuries. Impairment is a suspected factor in this crash.

After a thorough investigation, Normand was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

In 2021, Troop E Troopers have investigated 22 fatal crashes resulting in 23 fatalities.