Duson man arrested for three counts of vehicular homicide following crash

Saturday afternoon, December 28, troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I investigated a two vehicle crash on LA Highway 343 which left three people dead and a Duson man facing vehicular homicide charges.

According to investigating troopers, at 1:30 p.m., 58-year-old Charles Moter of Duson was driving a 1996 Chevrolet truck north on LA Highway 343 south of US Highway 90. A 2001 Saturn passenger car, driven by 31-year-old Nathaniel Malone of Duson, was traveling south on LA Highway 343 approaching Moter. As Moter was attempting to pass a northbound vehicle he came within a hazardous proximity to Malone’s vehicle. In an attempt to avoid a crash, Malone steered left. The front of Moter’s vehicle struck the right side of Malone’s vehicle.

Malone, who was restrained, sustained moderate injuries in the crash and was transported to a local area hospital. The front seat passenger in Malone’s vehicle, 33-year-old Joe Wise of Scott was not restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene. The left rear seat passenger, 14-year-old Cassie Kilby of Duson, was not restrained and died as a result of the crash. The right rear seat passenger, 16-year-old Kaylin Flyte of Crowley, was restrained and was pregnant at the time of the crash died at the scene. All thee passengers and the unborn fetus were pronounced dead at the scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner.

Moter, and his passenger 23-year-old Harrison Moore of Lafayette, sustained minor injures and were transported to local hospitals. Troopers are working to determine if the two were restrained.

Moter was found to be impaired by alcohol and was placed under arrest. Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. After being released from the hospital he was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center for 3 counts of vehicular homicide, 3rd degree feticide, negligent injuring, driving left of center and reckless operation.

This crash remains under investigation.

Impairment and lack of seat belt use continues to be key factors in fatal crashes across Acadiana. With the end of 2013 upon us Troopers want to remind drivers about the dangers of impaired driving. Even after having just one drink, decision making abilities are hindered. Make the responsible decision every time, don’t drink and drive. Troopers will continue working closely with local law enforcement agencies into the New Year to locate and remove impaired drivers from the road.