Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L continued the investigation into the September 16, 2025, fatal crash that claimed the life of 8-year-old Jewel Leger of Covington. The accident occurred on Highway 40 about 1 miles to the east of the Hwy 40-Hwy 37 intersection at Barkers Corner.
Standard toxicology testing was performed on the driver of the Toyota Camry, 39-year-old Candace L. Leblanc of Covington, as part of the investigation. The results have revealed that Leblanc’s blood contained impairing drugs at the time of the crash.
Troopers obtained an arrest warrant for Leblanc through the 22nd Judicial District Court on the charges of L.R.S. 14:32.1 – Vehicular Homicide, L.R.S. 32:295 – No Child Restraints, L.R.S. 32:300 – Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles, L.R.S. 32:52 – Driver Must be Licensed, and L.R.S. 32:58 – Careless Operation.
On October 4, 2025, Troopers booked Leblanc into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Facility on the above charges.
Louisiana State Police remind all motorists of the dangers of impaired driving, which can have devastating consequences, whether caused by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. Motorists are urged to make responsible decisions, such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring that all occupants are properly restrained, and avoiding distractions while driving. These choices can often mean the difference between life and death.
HERE IS THE ORIGINAL TROOP L NEWS ORIGINAL RELEASE from September 16, 2025
Unrestrained Juvenile Passenger Killed in St. Tammany Parish Crash
On September 16, 2025, at approximately 8:25 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 40, just east of Hurd Road in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 8-year-old Jewel Leger of Covington.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2009 Toyota Camry was traveling west on LA Hwy 40 while approaching a left-hand curve. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle traveled off the roadway to the right and struck a tree.
The driver, who was properly restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Jewel, who was seated in the front passenger seat and unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A routine toxicology sample was collected from the driver for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
This crash remains under investigation.
