Louisiana – A tragic road rage incident north of New Orleans left a 17-year-old pregnant girl dead and her newborn baby fighting for life.
Authorities say Katelynn Strate, 17, was shot in the head during the altercation. She was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support so doctors could deliver her baby girl by emergency C-section.
The infant was born two months premature, weighing just 3 pounds, 11 ounces. According to a GoFundMe page set up by loved ones, Strate later died from her injuries.
Police arrested Barry West, 54, who they say fired his gun from a pickup truck, striking Strate in the head. Investigators report that West claimed he believed Strate and her boyfriend had fired at him first, but officers say there is no evidence to back up his story.
West was initially charged with attempted second-degree murder, but officials say the charge will likely be upgraded following Strate’s death.
