The 18-year-old woman killed when gunfire struck her car on Interstate 20 in Ruston has been identified.
Haleei A. Newton graduated from Ruston High School Tuesday night with her family present to celebrate her accomplishment. Just over 75 hours later, Newton was shot as she and a male friend traveled eastbound on I-20 between the Tarbutton Road interchange and Tech Drive just after midnight Saturday morning.
Chief Steve Rogers said Monday that investigators were trying to pinpoint the exact location where the shooting occurred to look for evidence such as shell casings.
Social media discussions of the incident said someone shot into the youth’s car and she was taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center.
Police said a patrol officer near the interstate heard the gunfire. The occupant of the car was not injured, according to RPD.
A family member pleaded on social media Saturday–”All these pplz that showing my baby love, I need all y’all put that same energy into finding out who did this and getting justice for my baby.”
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday evening, according to Lincoln Parish Detention Center records.
Tips on the case can be submitted by calling RPD at 318-255-4141 or Crimestoppers at 318-255-1111.
