Opelousas Man Arrested In Fatal Crash

37-year-old Kevin Mayo of Opelousas is being charged with negligent homicide after a deadly crash took the life of his passenger, 18-year-old Corita Leben of Port Barre.

La. State Police say it happened late Friday night at 11:27 p.m. Troopers say Mayo was driving a 1994 Buick south on La. highway 103 near Alex Stoute Road when, for reasons still under investigation, traveled off the right side of the road, went into the ditch and struck a concrete culvert. Officers say neither Mayo nor Leben were restrained. Leben was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Landry Parish Coroner. Mayo suffered minor injuries.

Toxicology samples obtained by Troopers are being submitted to the State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

After Mayo was released from the hospital, he was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail for negligent homicide, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, no seat belt and driving with an invalid driver’s license.

Authorities continue to investigate.

Louisiana Law requires that all persons, regardless of seating position, must be restrained.  La. State Police say while wearing a seat belt will not save you in every crash, it will greatly reduce your risk of injury in most crashes.