Cop charged after killing two cheerleaders during high-speed chase

A Louisiana police officer was arrested after he allegedly plowed into a car, killing two high school cheerleaders, during a high-speed chase..

Maggie Dunn, 17, and Caroline Gill, 16, both students and cheerleaders at Brusly High School in Brusly, La., died in the horrific crash, WBRZ reported.

Dunn’s brother, Liam, was also in the car and is in critical condition.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

“He will need surgeries. Has a broken femur, tabula, left wrist, fractured skull, and a few other issues,” his father, Kenny, shared on Facebook, asking friends and family to donate blood in Liam’s name at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge.

“We are asking for prayers,” he continued. “We don’t know why God took our daughter, but I bet she is running shop up there.”

A memorial service for the two girls was held on the school’s football field Monday night.

As we mourn the tragic deaths of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill please keep their families, friends, and the BHS...

Posted by Brusly High School Cheerleading on Sunday, January 1, 2023

Addis Police officer David Cauthron, 42, was charged with two counts of negligent homicide and one count of negligent injuring, the outlet reported.

He is currently on administrative leave and “has a lot of questions to answer pertaining to his speed and sheer negligence,” District Attorney Tony Clayton told WBRZ.

“For these kids to not to have been able to start the New Year is inexcusable, but we’ll follow the facts first,” he continued. “I just can’t put my arms around why (the officer) was driving at that rate of speed in pursuit of this vehicle. This officer is facing some serious issues.”

Sources said the teens were heading to a store just minutes from home when Cauthron allegedly struck their vehicle with such force, it pushed the car into the median of the highway.

Investigators reviewed dash-cam video and other footage from the crash before charging the officer.

Cauthron was in pursuit of a 24-year-old man who allegedly stole his father’s car at the time of the deadly collision, The Advocate reported.

The fleeing suspect was arrested after his car stalled, and he faces multiple charges, including home invasion and aggravated flight, according to the outlet.

Clayton is trying to determine why Cauthron thought a pursuit was necessary over an alleged home invasion and stolen vehicle.

“If it involves putting human life in danger, stop the damn pursuit,” Clayton said. “It’s just not worth the risk.”