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Driver Charged in Crossing Guard’s Death With Vehicular Homicide and Second-Offense DWI

Authorities say they upgraded the DWI charge after finding a prior 2022 arrest.

Overview

  • Katy Wells, 74, was struck while directing school dismissal traffic on LA Highway 16 near Gray’s Creek Elementary in Denham Springs, the sheriff’s office said.
  • Deputies arrested 64-year-old Darren Goudeau and booked him on vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated.
  • Officials later upgraded the DWI to a second offense after confirming Goudeau had a prior DWI arrest in September 2022 in a neighboring parish.
  • Goudeau is being held at the Livingston Parish Detention Center, with bond set at $100,000 for vehicular homicide and $2,000 for the DWI charge, according to inmate records.
  • Wells served Livingston Parish schools and the sheriff’s office for about 40 years, and local leaders and the district posted tributes and asked the community to support her family.