BATON ROUGE, La. (LA First) – One person has been charged in connection with a fatal crash in December 2023 in Baton Rouge.
Martavion Matthews, 19, of Baton Rouge, was charged with three counts of hit-and-run; death or serious bodily injury, one count each of manslaughter, reckless operation of a vehicle and unlawful possession of stolen property valued at $5,000 to $25,000.
At approximately 9:45 a.m. on December 5, 2023, the Baton Rouge Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on North 22nd Street involving a Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Silverado.
Police found a person dead inside a Nissan Versa. As the investigation unfolded, BRPD learned that the Chevrolet was traveling north on North 22nd Street when it struck the passenger side of the Nissan. Police said the Nissan appeared to be trying to make a left turn in front of the Chevrolet before the crash.
Witness accounts were corroborated by video showing two men running from the scene of the crash on Foca Street.
BRPD learned the Chevrolet had been reported stolen by the Zachary Police Department.
The tip led to further investigation, including phone records and social media, which helped BRPD identify the two suspects.
Matthews was later found at home and his oral swabs were sent for analysis. DNA swabs were also taken from various parts of the Chevrolet.
Matthews’ DNA analysis showed “a high statistical probability that his DNA was present in the deployed air bag on the driver’s steering wheel and in the steering wheel itself,” the affidavit states.
Matthews was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail on Thursday, Dec. 11.
Martavion Matthews is charged with three counts of hit and run; death or serious bodily injury. (Photo courtesy of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office)
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