**UPDATE**Gonzales Man Arrested in Fiery Ascension Parish Crash that Leaves Three Dead

TROOP A NEWS RELEASE
December 29, 2023

**UPDATE** The deceased have been identified as the following: 46-year-old Freddie Williams Jr., 50-year-old Jermaine Augillard, and 44-year-old Ahmad Johnson. All are from Darrow, Louisiana.

See original release below

Gonzales Man Arrested in Fiery Ascension Parish Crash that Leaves Three Dead

Darrow– On December 19, 2023, shortly before 11:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two-vehicle crash on LA 44 north of LA 22 in Ascension Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the lives of three occupants. The names are being withheld pending proper identification and notification to the next
of kin.

The initial investigation revealed that 28-year-old Jaylynn Burbank of Gonzales was driving a 2023 Ram 1500 headed south on LA 44 behind a Jeep Cherokee. For reasons still being investigated, the Ram struck the rear end of the Jeep. The impact caused the Jeep to exit the roadway to the right, strike a telephone pole, and subsequently become fully engulfed in flames.

Burbank, who was restrained at the time of the crash, sustained minor injuries, and was transported to a local hospital. Due to the severity of the damage, all occupants of the Jeep are deceased and seatbelt use is unknown. During the investigation, Burbank displayed multiple signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested for the following charges: Vehicular Homicide (3 counts), Reckless Operation, and DWI (1st offense). Burbank was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on the aforementioned charges. Toxicology is pending on the part of Burbank. This crash remains under investigation.

Far too often, Trooper see the tragic consequences of preventable motor vehicle crashes. Troopers urge motorists to have a plan in place before consuming alcohol as it can impair visual ability, diminish fine motor skills, and decease reaction times. Please choose never to drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver, and always buckle
up. The conversation you have could make all the difference.

Contact Information:
TPR Christian Reed
Louisiana State Police – Troop A
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 754-8524
Christian.Reed2@la.gov