Troopers with the Louisiana State Police Troop L have continued to investigate the hit-and-run crash that resulted in the death of 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas Jr. of Folsom, which occurred on April 12, 2026. The investigation resulted in the arrests of three individuals from Washington Parish.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Ornelas Jr. was riding a bicycle east on LA Highway 40, in a poorly lit area. At the same time, an unknown, dark-colored sedan or small SUV was traveling east on LA Highway 40, struck Ornelas Jr., and left the scene. Ornelas Jr. was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he later died.
Through further investigation, Troopers identified the vehicle involved in the crash as a 2019 Buick Encore and determined that 34-year-old Megan J. Kyle of Bogalusa was driving the vehicle when it struck Ornelas Jr. Further investigation, including multiple interviews, determined that her parents, 62-year-old Monica V. Wildebrandt of Franklinton and 63-year-old Robert J. Kyle of Bogalusa, knowingly and willfully attempted to conceal evidence related to the crime.
On August 6, 2026, Troopers arrested Megan J. Kyle, Monica V. Wildebrandt, and Robert J. Kyle. Megan was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Facility for Felony Hit and Run. Monica and Robert were booked into the Washington Parish Correctional Facility on charges of Obstruction of Justice, Injuring Public Records, and Accessory After the Fact.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Louisiana State Police remains committed to thoroughly investigating every hit-and-run crash and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Leaving the scene of a crash is a serious crime that only compounds the tragedy for victims and their families. Troopers will continue to use every available investigative resource to identify those involved and pursue justice on behalf of the victims and their loved ones.
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