A 17-year-old girl from Louisiana, tragically lost her life after being shot in the head during a road rage incident. Her death, however, helped give the gift of life.
Katelynn Strate of Ponchatoula was 28 weeks pregnant when Barry West, 54, allegedly critically injured the teenager who was 7 months pregnant.
The young woman’s baby was born via an emergency C-section, weighing 3 pounds 11 ounces at 28 weeks. The baby is reportedly “continuing to do well” in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker called the incident “a senseless tragedy” that struck the family “with no logical reason” and emphasized the importance of being patient and cautious when driving. He advised anyone who feels unsafe to call 911.
The suspect, West, claimed he thought the people in the car ahead of him fired first. However, no evidence supporting this claim was found, and no weapon was discovered in the victim’s car.
West has been charged with Second Degree Murder, three counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, Illegal Use of a Weapon, and Obstruction. He is currently being held in Tangipahoa Parish Jail.
Officials also moved to clear up questions surrounding West’s possible ties to the department.
TPSO clarified that no one with the surname West has worked with them since they began keeping records in 2007.
The pregnant teen was shot in the head during a road rage incident. (GoFundMe)
Strate’s family has made the decision to donate her organs, and officials say she has “officially become a donor hero.” The sheriff’s office urged the community to honor her legacy by rallying around her loved ones — offering prayers of comfort and strength as they face this heartbreaking loss.
