Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana – Katelynn Strate, a 17-year-old pregnant teen, tragically died on Aug. 26, 2023, after being shot during a road rage incident two days earlier. Strate, who was 27 weeks pregnant, was in the passenger seat of a Ford Expedition when she was allegedly shot by Barry West, 54, during a confrontation between their two vehicles.
The Incident
On Aug. 24, Strate was with two other individuals in the Ford Expedition when she became involved in an altercation with West, who was driving a Dodge truck. According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the two vehicles had been tailgating and brake-checking each other before the situation escalated. West allegedly fired at the Ford from his truck, striking Strate.
Once the driver of the Ford realized Strate had been shot, they immediately drove her to the hospital and called 911. Upon arrival, medical staff were able to perform a C-section, delivering Strate’s baby. As of the latest update, the baby is doing well and is being treated in the NICU.
The Shooter’s Claim
West claimed that he was acting in self-defense, alleging that he believed someone in the Ford Expedition had fired at him first. However, investigators found no evidence of shots being fired from the Ford, and no weapon was found inside the vehicle.
Charges Against West
West, who initially faced four counts of attempted second-degree murder, was arrested and charged with one count of illegal use of a weapon and one count of obstruction of justice. Authorities later learned that West may have claimed to be employed with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, but after reviewing records, the sheriff’s office confirmed he was not affiliated with them.
After Strate’s death, the charges against West were upgraded, with one of the attempted second-degree murder charges now being classified as second-degree murder.
Strate’s Legacy and Community Support
Strate’s family was devastated when it became clear she would not survive. In a show of kindness, Strate’s family chose to honor her by having her become an organ donor, helping save other lives in the process.
A GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds for the baby’s ongoing medical care and Strate’s funeral expenses, with donations pouring in from the community in support of the grieving family.
