Two high school cheerleaders from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have been killed in a car crash involving a police officer who was pursuing a suspect following a home invasion. Maggie Dunn, 17, and Caroline Gill, 15, both students and cheerleaders at Brusly High School, died in the collision on Saturday night.
Maggie’s brother, Liam Dunn, was also in the vehicle and remains in critical condition. According to a family post, he suffered a broken femur, fractured skull, and other injuries. “We don’t know why God took our daughter, but I bet she is running shop up there,” wrote Kenny Wayne on Facebook.
Officer David Cauthron, 42, of Addis, has been arrested and faces two counts of negligent homicide and one count of negligent injuring. District Attorney Tony Clayton confirmed the officer is on administrative leave, saying he “has a lot of questions to answer pertaining to his speed and sheer negligence”. Witnesses reported the officer was travelling at 86 miles per hour (138km/h) and ran a red light without braking before the crash.
The officer was chasing Tyquel Zanders, who was detained after his vehicle stalled. Zanders now faces charges of home invasion, theft of a vehicle, and aggravated flight. Mr Clayton added: “If it involves putting human life in danger, stop the damn pursuit. It’s just not worth the risk.”
Brusly High School Principal Walt Lemoine said the losses are “far-reaching in our school community”, noting that Maggie’s mother and sister work at the school, and Caroline’s older sister is a senior. The cheerleading team wrote on Facebook: “Their enthusiasm and bright smiles will be missed more than can be imagined.” The school has activated a crisis response team to support students and staff.
