UPDATE:
A family is in mourning Saturday after a child was killed during a car crash.
Louisiana State Police say it happened on Highland Road between Perkins Road and Siegen Lane around 11:00 a.m. Police say 32-year-old Elmer Menendez was traveling eastbound, when for unknown reasons, Menendez lost control of his car, crossed the center line, and ended up in the path of 46-year-old Ron Adams’ SUV.
Nine-year-old Fernando Menendez was in the passenger seat, didn’t have a seatbelt on, and was ejected from the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Elmer Menendez is in the hospital with serious injuries, while Adams got moderate injuries. They both were restrained.
Troopers say impairment doesn’t look to be a factor. Once released from the hospital, Menendez will be booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail for negligent injuring, careless operation, no seat belt, and no child restraint.