Franklinton teen faces multiple charges in fatal accident
One-vehicle crash claims two lives

By Richard Meek
The Daily News
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 8:34 AM CDT


A Franklinton teenager was booked with DWI and two counts of vehicular homicide, and other charges, following a one-vehicle accident early Sunday morning.

State Police said Jason Melerine, 19,  is being charged in connection with the deaths of Jason Crain, 23, of Franklinton, and Beth Bria, 18, of Angie, both of whom were passengers in the pickup truck Melerine was driving.

Police said the crash occurred as Melerine was driving south on Louisiana 424, north of Pine, at approximately 4:50 a.m. in a 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck.  While traveling southbound, Melerine failed to maneuver a right curve in the roadway causing the pickup truck to cross the center line. 

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According to police reports, as the truck began to enter the northbound lane, Melerine steered sharply to the right causing it to rotate clockwise and run off road to the right.  Upon leaving the paved roadway, the pickup continued to rotate and struck several trees before coming to rest.

Police said Crain and Bria were not wearing seatbelts and died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office.

Alcohol and excessive speed are suspected to be factors in the crash.  Melerine was not injured and submitted to a breath alcohol test registering over the legal limit.  He was charged with no seatbelt, careless operation, first offense DWI, and two counts of Vehicular Homicide.

Copyright © 2010 Daily News

Comments

    thatguysfamily wrote on Jul 9, 2010 11:53 AM:

    " What a terrible tragedy. Our prayers go out to Crain and Bria family. My family member killed an innocent person because of his terrible decision to drink and drive. He is now serving time in prison and is sharing his story to prevent other tragedies from occurring. Google the Matt Maher Story to learn more. We've received an overwhelming response so far, especially from young adults who made the decision to NOT drink and drive because they remembered Matt's story. I hope people continue to be impacted. These kinds of accidents are 100% preventable. "

    me wrote on Jul 7, 2010 9:56 AM:

    " what about the one that sold a 19 yr old the drinks "

    christgirl wrote on Jul 4, 2010 11:51 PM:

    " the aledged driver was injured in this accident it just hasnt been reported that way. Fact rather than Fiction should be reported! "

    Roger Blackmon wrote on Jul 2, 2010 10:06 PM:

    " I know a lot of people would disagree with me. I have a 16 year old son at home he and I have a good farther and son relation ship. I share all of these horrible news with him to show him the dangers in day to day life. How ever I informed him if he ever had an urge to drink and/ or try it , I wanted him to give me his keys to his truck and get in the back yard . At least I know where he is and he is safe. is this wisdom? "

    A concerned mama wrote on Jul 2, 2010 1:05 AM:

    " How do an 18 and 19 year old get alcohol? Someone is not doing their job. What senseless deaths! Please wear your seatbelts!! "

    KING KID wrote on Jul 1, 2010 10:09 PM:

    " I meet Beth a couple of years ago she was friends with my daughter, she had a smile that will stay with you for a life time. I didn't know the young men but may GOD BLESS all families left to deal with the lost of a love one. Hold on to the memories you shared with them and know GOD is there to heal your heart. Stay encourage and GOD BLESS!!!!! LETS SHOW GOD'S LOVE FOR JASON!!! GOD WORD SAID FORGIVE AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!!!!!! "

    Louisianaman wrote on Jun 30, 2010 4:57 PM:

    " It seems that the drunk driver is never injured! Others die because of the drunk driver's actions. Sure it's true that the driver's life is over before it began but so are the passengers that died and all the family members are left to grieve over what could have been.
    I am sure the parents of everyone in the truck would have gladly given them a ride home. I am sorry for the loss of all who died. "

    prayers wrote on Jun 30, 2010 12:09 PM:

    " my heart goes out to all of these famlies bless each of you praying for all the famlies i do not feel the teenage boy should face these charges he was out with his friends who was doing the same as he was why do we jump so quick to judge when each is all out doing the same thing together if someonelse was not drinking dont you think they should of drove or not got in . "

    RB wrote on Jun 30, 2010 10:05 AM:

    " Now this kids life is over, before it really got started. To top that of he has to live / deal with the death of these to people for the rest of his natural life. "

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