Katelynn Strate Obituary, Death; – A pregnant teenager who was shot by a driver during a road rage incident in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, has passed away, as confirmed by authorities.
According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the victim, identified as 17-year-old Katelynn Strate, was shot in the head during the incident that occurred on August 25.
Law enforcement reported that she was a passenger in a Ford Expedition along with two others when they came across a man, 54-year-old Barry West, driving a silver Dodge Truck in the same direction. The vehicles were allegedly “tailgating and brake-checking each other” when West discharged “one round into the Expedition ahead of him, where the victim was seated in the front passenger seat,” as stated by the sheriff’s office.
Strate was transported to the hospital, where she underwent an emergency C-section. Authorities indicated that her 28-week-old baby survived and is “doing well.”
Initially reported to be in critical condition, the sheriff’s office announced on August 26 that she had died and became an organ donor. A GoFundMe campaign for her family has raised over $42,000 at the time of this publication.
“We are now seeking assistance to cover funeral costs for Katelynn, medical expenses, and essential baby items needed by her grandmother, who will now be responsible for the baby,” the fundraiser stated.
West was arrested and charged with one count of illegal use of a weapon and obstruction of justice, along with four counts of attempted second-degree murder, according to the sheriff’s office.
In light of Strate’s death, he has also been charged with one count of second-degree murder.
