August 29, 2025 Update: Charges refused by District Attorney. "This action is taken in advance of submission of a police report, as the Sheriff's Office has determined after a review of information provided Mr. Beaudette’s representatives and the agency’s development of additional information in the days since, that there is sufficient information to conclude that refusal of the aforementioned charges is appropriate."
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office also posted on August 29, 2025 that (in summary), in light of new evidence, STPSO has formally withdrawn its request for the District Attorney’s Office to charge Beaudette with Vehicular Homicide, Reckless Operation, and Hit and Run against Beaudette. The requests for the remaining charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Child Endangerment, Driving with a Suspended License and No Child Restraint remain in place.
Shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Northshore Lane near Slidell in reference to a child who had been struck by a vehicle. Responding deputies learned the 6-year-old boy was riding a scooter in his driveway when he was struck by an SUV, and the driver of the SUV failed to stop. The child’s mother had transported the boy to a local hospital prior to deputies arriving on scene. He died at the hospital.
The vehicle involved was identified as a 2022 Grey Chevrolet Suburban. It was located later Wednesday evening traveling on East Gause Boulevard, and STPSO patrol deputies initiated a traffic stop. The driver, who was identified as Cody Michael Beaudette, was taken into custody and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center for Vehicular Homicide, Reckless Operation, Felony Hit and Run (involving death or serious bodily injury) and Operating a Vehicle with a Suspended License.
The incident is still under investigation.
Sheriff Randy Smith wants to send his condolences to the child’s family and to remind everyone of the importance of obeying speed limits, stopping at stop signs and being extra careful when driving through neighborhoods.
“This is a horrific tragedy for our community,” Sheriff Smith said. “And it is a tragedy that could have been prevented by careful driving and the obeyance of traffic laws. Children are out and about in our neighborhoods and it is imperative that all motorists pay attention and slow down.”
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
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