Amite Motorcyclist Charged in Death of Passenger

Shortly before 11:00 pm on September 6, 2019, Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal

crash involving a motorcycle on LA Hwy 445 south of US Hwy 190 in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Marissa Barrett of Lumberton, MS, and resulted in the arrest of 36-year-old Dustin Cox of Amite.

The initial investigation by Troopers determined the crash occurred as Cox was riding a 1998 Kawasaki ZX750P southbound on LA Hwy 443 a high rate of speed. A Trooper attempted to stop Cox, but he refused to stop and the Trooper initiated a pursuit. Cox eventually turned eastbound onto US Hwy 190, and due to reckless driving behavior by Cox the Trooper stopped pursuing. A witness observed the motorcycle turn south onto LA Hwy 445, and a short time later the motorcycle was located. Troopers determined that while traveling southbound on LA Hwy 445, Cox sideswiped a southbound 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. As a result, the motorcycle left the roadway and struck a ditch embankment ejecting Cox and his passenger Barrett.

Cox and Barrett were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Barrett ultimately succumbed to those injuries earlier today. Impairment on the part of Cox was suspected, and a toxicology sample was taken for analysis. Cox was charged with Vehicular Homicide, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Flight from an Officer, Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, Careless Operation, and Speeding. The driver of the Chevrolet was properly restrained and was uninjured, and impairment was not a factor.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.