New Orleans was shaken by a tragic car chase that led to the loss of two West Jefferson High School teens. 31-year-old Joneaka Smooth's actions on Thursday afternoon have now landed her in serious trouble. She is facing manslaughter and hit-and-run charges. The incident began when a group of women were caught stealing at a store inside Lakeside Mall. An off-duty deputy saw them fleeing in a red SUV and notified on-duty deputies. A pursuit ensued but was terminated shortly after crossing the Jefferson-Orleans parish line. However, Smooth continued speeding in a 2013 Mercedes GLK after exiting the interstate. Her vehicle failed to make a right turn, crossed lanes, and hit an elevated grassy median, becoming airborne and striking a 2022 Toyota Camry. Inside the Camry, one 17-year-old student was pronounced dead at the scene, identified as Giselle Smith of unincorporated Gretna and a senior at West Jefferson High School. Two other teenage girls in the car were taken to a local hospital, where one later died from her injuries. The third teen remains hospitalized in stable condition. Three women fled from the Mercedes after the crash, and a 37-year-old woman was arrested nearby but not charged in connection with the crash. Jefferson Parish Schools has expressed their heartbreak and is providing counseling services to help students and staff cope with this tragedy. Authorities are urging Smooth to turn herself in, and anyone with information is asked to contact NOPD Traffic Fatality Unit detectives or Crimestoppers anonymously. This story is still developing, and more updates will be provided as information becomes available. The Deadly Car Chase and Its Aftermath
Initial Incident at Lakeside Mall
A group of women were caught stealing at a store inside Lakeside Mall. An off-duty deputy noticed them fleeing in a red SUV and alerted on-duty deputies. This set off a chain of events that would have a tragic outcome.
The pursuit that followed was short-lived but led to the crossing of the parish line and the continuation of the dangerous situation by Joneaka Smooth.
The Fatal Crash on Interstate 610
After exiting the interstate, Joneaka Smooth's speeding Mercedes GLK failed to make a right turn, crossing two southbound lanes and hitting an elevated grassy median. The impact was so severe that the SUV became airborne and crashed into a 2022 Toyota Camry.
Inside the Camry, one 17-year-old student lost their life, and two other teenage girls were seriously injured. The scene was a tragic reminder of the consequences of reckless driving.
Aftermath and Community Support
Jefferson Parish Schools issued a statement expressing their sorrow and offering counseling services to the West Jefferson High School community. This shows the importance of coming together during times of tragedy.
Authorities are working hard to bring Joneaka Smooth to justice and are urging her to turn herself in. The community is also waiting for more updates as this story continues to unfold.
