Pregnant teen dies saving baby after Ponchatoula road rage shooting incident
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

pregnant teen Katelynn Strate takes selfie

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Musk becomes first person worth $500B

Musk Achieves Status as First $500 Billion Individual

(The Hill) — Elon Musk, the technology tycoon, temporarily reached a net…
Lydia Kaiser returns to school after Annunciation shooting

Lydia Kaiser Resumes School After Shooting Incident at Annunciation

Lydia Kaiser, 12, was shot while trying to protect a younger student.…
UK synagogue attack and Hamas hostage crisis underscore deadly Yom Kippur

Deadly Yom Kippur Marked by UK Synagogue Attack and Hamas Hostage Crisis

The ongoing menace of antisemitism was tragically highlighted on Thursday when two…
'9-1-1' season nine preview: Mark Consuelos sends two beloved members of the 118 to space, chaos ensues

Preview of ‘9-1-1’ Season Nine: Mark Consuelos Sends Two Favorite Characters from the 118 Unit into Space, Leading to Mayhem

“9-1-1” fans, it looks like season nine is going to be out…
Jacksonville man arrested for possession of CSAM

Jacksonville Resident Charged with CSAM Possession

Police said that the man had over 400 files on various devices…
Missing woman's body found behind secret attic entrance in Northern California home

Remains of Missing Woman Discovered Behind Hidden Attic Door in Northern California House

Police say they found the body of a missing woman behind a…
Police investigating homicide after victim dies following shooting in Birmingham

Police Investigate Homicide After Shooting Victim Dies in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating a…
Convicted Minnesota sex offender, 22, accused of posing as high school student on football team

Minnesota Sex Offender, 22, Allegedly Impersonated High School Football Player

A 22-year-old man with a criminal history of indecent exposure allegedly posed…
Des Moines Public School Board accepts superintendent's resignation after ICE arrest

Ex-Des Moines Schools Superintendent Arrested by DOJ on Federal Firearms and Immigration Charges

The former Iowa school district superintendent detained by immigration authorities last week…
Israeli military arrests Greta Thunberg, flotilla activists after intercepting dozens of boats

The Israeli military detains Greta Thunberg and activists from a flotilla after stopping multiple boats.

Israeli naval forces intercepted 39 vessels from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on…
Texas megachurch founder Robert Morris pleads guilty to child sex abuse charges

Texas Megachurch Leader Robert Morris Admits to Child Sexual Abuse Offenses

The founder of a Texas megachurch, who stepped down last year following…
Trump's peace deal could end the war in Gaza or Netanyahu's career

Trump’s Peace Proposal: A Chance to Resolve the Gaza Conflict or Alter Netanyahu’s Political Future

A 20-point peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump this week could…