Driver Arrested for Vehicular Homicide in I-10 Crash That Killed 13-Year-Old Girl

More than a month after a 13-year-old girl died from injuries sustained in a crash on Interstate 10 near Butte La Rose, Louisiana State Police have arrested the driver after toxicology results indicated he was impaired at the time of the crash.

According to an October 15 update from Louisiana State Police Troop I, 22-year-old Ezekiel Clawson was arrested Wednesday, October 14, and booked into the St. Martin Parish Jail on charges including vehicular homicide and DWI with child endangerment.

The arrest follows the September 12 crash that claimed the life of 13-year-old Bailee Leger, whose death prompted an outpouring of prayers and support for her family throughout the community.

Toxicology Results Lead to Vehicular Homicide Arrest

Louisiana State Police said investigators collected standard toxicology samples from Clawson, who was driving a 2013 Hyundai Elantra involved in the September crash.

Those samples were submitted for analysis, and the results indicated Clawson was impaired when the crash occurred.

Based on those findings, troopers obtained an arrest warrant through the 16th Judicial District Court.

Clawson faces the following charges:

• Vehicular homicide
• Vehicular negligent injuring
• Reckless operation of a vehicle
• First-degree vehicular negligent injuring
• Child passenger restraint violations (three counts)
• No seatbelt
• DWI first offense with child endangerment

State Police did not specify what substance or substances were detected in the toxicology results.

Clawson was arrested October 14 on the outstanding warrant and booked into the St. Martin Parish Jail.

What Happened in the September 12 Crash Near Butte La Rose?

The crash happened shortly after 5:30 p.m. Saturday, September 12, on I-10 West near the Butte La Rose exit in St. Martin Parish.

According to the preliminary investigation, the Hyundai Elantra was traveling west in the left lane while a 2020 Ram ProMaster was traveling west in the right lane.

Troopers said the Hyundai moved from the left lane into the right lane, struck a concrete barrier and then collided with the rear of the Ram. Both vehicles subsequently struck concrete barriers.

Bailee, who was a passenger in the Hyundai, suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

For the next several days, her family remained hopeful as she fought for her life.

Tragically, Bailee died from her injuries on September 15, three days after the crash.

The Hyundai's driver and three additional passengers were also transported to an area hospital for treatment.

State Police reported that the Hyundai's occupants were not properly restrained. One of the passengers was an infant in a child safety seat, but investigators determined that the seat was not properly secured to the vehicle.

The driver of the Ram was properly restrained and reported no injuries. Troopers said the driver showed no signs of impairment and voluntarily submitted to a breath test, which detected no alcohol.

Community Mourned 13-Year-Old Girl Following September Crash

In the days following the crash, Bailee's family, friends and members of the community rallied around her, sharing prayers and hoping for her recovery.

Her mother, Micki Carter, remained by her daughter's side as the family hoped for a miracle.

Following Bailee's death, Carter shared a heartbreaking message remembering her daughter and asking people to recognize that Bailee's life was so much more than the tragedy that took it.

"Bailee was so much more than what happened to her," Carter wrote.

She described her daughter as silly, sassy, loving and one of the most caring people anyone could meet.

Carter thanked everyone who prayed for Bailee and supported the family throughout those difficult days. She also asked for continued prayers, especially for Bailee's little brother.

The community's support continued following the announcement of Bailee's death, as loved ones shared condolences and remembered the young girl whose life was cut short.

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Investigation Into Fatal St. Martin Parish Crash Continues

The October 14 arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, which began more than a month ago.

Louisiana State Police said the crash remains under investigation.

Troopers also reiterated the dangers of impaired driving, reminding motorists that driving under the influence remains a leading factor in serious injury and fatal crashes.

Clawson faces multiple criminal charges in connection with the crash. Those charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.