Update on Sunday's Fatal Crash in Bogalusa – 19 Year-Old and Unborn Child Dies

On Sunday morning, July 23, 2023, shortly after 1:00 am, the Bogalusa Police Department responded to a two vehicle fatal crash near the intersection of S. Columbia Street and East 7th Street. The crash claimed the life of 19 year old Kenja Crandle, a passenger of vehicle 1, and an unborn child of vehicle 2.

The investigation suggests that a 2018 Honda Accord (Vehicle 1), driven by Charles Dyson III, was traveling North at a high rate of speed on S. Columbia Street, while a 2009 Nissan Altima (Vehicle 2), driven by Jemetria Newell, was traveling South on S. Columbia Street. For reasons that are still being investigated, the Honda Accord crossed the center line and struck the Nissan Altima. 

Crandle, the front seat passenger of the Honda Accord, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Dyson, the driver of the Honda Accord, and another occupant of the vehicle, Shamar Berry, sustained serious injuries and were transported to a medical facility. Newell, the driver of the Nissan Altima, and the other occupant, Jene Martin, also sustained serious injuries and were transported to a medical facility. Newell was near term in her pregnancy. The unborn baby later succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

Toxicology samples were obtained and criminal charges are pending. This crash remains under investigation.