On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, shortly before 9:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 17 just north of Louisiana Highway 855. The crash claimed the lives of 28-year-old Billie Myers of Oak Grove and 59-year-old James Washington of Epps.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2012 Ford Fusion, driven by Myers, was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 17. At the same time, a 2022 GMC Terrain, driven by 18-year-old Alexis Cox, was traveling North on Louisiana Highway 17. For reasons still under investigation, Cox crossed over the centerline and struck the Ford head-on in the southbound lane of Louisiana Highway 17.
Meyers, who was unrestrained, received serious injuries. She was transported to an area hospital, where she later died. Washington, who was the front seat passenger in the Ford, was unrestrained and died at the scene. Cox, who was properly restrained, received moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chances of being severely injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes.
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On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, shortly before 4:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 20 just west of Louisiana Highway 602-2. The crash claimed the lives of 69-year-old Keith Robinson of Monroe and 39-year-old Rachelle Jefferson of Monroe.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2025 Toyota RAV4 was traveling east on Interstate 20. At the same time, a 2001 BMW Z3, driven by Robinson, was traveling east on Interstate 20 behind the Toyota. For reasons still under investigation, Robinson struck the rear of the Toyota at a high rate of speed. After the initial impact, the BMW traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree.
Robinson, who was unrestrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Jefferson, who was the front seat passenger in the BMW, was also unrestrained and died at the scene. The driver and front seat passenger of the Toyota, who were both properly restrained, were transported to an area hospital with moderate injuries. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Speeding can reduce your ability to react in time and make crashes more severe, while wearing a seatbelt greatly increases your chances of preventing injuries and surviving a crash. Taking a few extra seconds to drive within the speed limit and buckle up helps protect you and everyone in the vehicle. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference.
