Louisiana cop David Cauthron charged in crash that killed two high school cheerleaders

A Louisiana cop is facing charges for crashing into an unrelated car and during a high-speed chase on New Year’s Eve, killing two high school cheerleaders.

Addis Police Officer David Cauthron, 42, was charged Sunday with two counts of negligent homicide in the deaths of 17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 16-year-old Caroline Gill, according to WBRZ.

Maggie’s brother, Liam Dunn, a freshman at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, was reportedly seriously injured in the accident.

Eighteenth Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton reprimanded the cop, who has been with the police department for less than a year. He previously worked for a sheriff’s office in the state.

“This cop has a lot of questions to answer regarding his speed and sheer negligence,” Clayton said Sunday, according to WBRZ. “The public can be reassured, we will follow the facts.”

Sources told the outlet that Cauthron’s vehicle was traveling at around 86 miles per hour while pursuing suspect Tyquel Zanders, accused of stealing a family member’s car. Sources also told the news channel that the police officer did not brake before hitting the car the girls were in.

Witnesses said Cauthron ran a red light when his police cruiser reached the intersection and rammed into the victims’ car around noon, according to the news station.

The chase began when Zanders, 24, entered a home where he was unwelcome and shoved his father to the ground before taking the keys to a Nissan, The Advocate reported, citing Clayton and documents reservation.

Zanders, who was later arrested when his car stalled, is also expected to face manslaughter charges in the deaths of the two girls in addition to auto theft charges, according to the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. , reported the newspaper.

“He put the chain of events in play,” Clayton, the prosecutor, told The Advocate. “He is responsible for all reactions to his actions. He’s facing two counts, and if that poor kid doesn’t survive, he’ll be facing another.

The West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office also arrested the officer, according to the newspaper.

The two slain high school students were remembered by the Brusly High School cheerleading squad in a Facebook post on Sunday.

“As we mourn the tragic deaths of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, please keep their families, friends and the BHS community in your thoughts and prayers,” the cheer squad said. “Their enthusiasm and bright smiles will be missed more than you can imagine.”

The high school said Dunn was a junior and Gill was a sophomore.

“We are saddened by the loss of our school community and will do everything we can to support you and your child as needed,” said high school principal Walt Lemoine.