Published: 05-11-2026 | Category: Troop E
Concordia Parish – On Sunday, May 10, 2026, at approximately 12:37 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash at 518 Minorca Road. The crash claimed the lives of 17-year-old Michelle Baity of Natchez, MS, and 19-year-old Jacob Bonnette of Vidalia.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2001 Infiniti QX4, driven by 18-year-old Gregory Steele of Vidalia, was northbound on Minorca Road. For reasons still under investigation, Steele lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, and overturned.
Steele, who was not restrained, sustained minor injuries. Baity and Bonnette, who also were not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead on the scene. An additional passenger, who was also not restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted. Impairment is a suspected factor in this crash.
As a result of the investigation, Troopers placed Steele under arrest for vehicular homicide (2 counts), underage driving while intoxicated, vehicular negligent injuring, and careless operation. Steele was processed at the Concordia Parish Detention Center. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.
Contact Information:
M/T Casey Wallace
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 266-7275
[email protected]