Anger in Louisiana After Driver in Deadly Accident Laughed and Used racial Slurs About the Victim
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02 June 2018
Grief has turned to outrage in Leesville, Louisiana, after 31-year-old good Samaritan Sherrell Lewis was struck and killed by 18-year-old Matthew Martin as Lewis and another person tried to clear dangerous debris from a highway. If the death of Lewis were not enough, Martin reportedly used Snapchat to message his friends, laughing about the damage to his truck, and using racial slurs to boot. From The Daily Advertiser:
Matthew Martin, an 18-year-old from Hineston, was the driver of the 2003 Chevy truck that hit Lewis, according to the Louisiana State Police.
After the collision, Martin reportedly posted a social media video of his dented truck, using several laughing emojis and the caption, “y’all i just hit a whole guy on the highway.” Police have not confirmed that Martin was behind the posts, but the account was under his name.
When asked what Martin hit, in a SnapChat conversation, he responded:
Martin: Some ni--er
Friend: How did the chevy take it?
Martin: F---ed it up pretty good lol
Friend: It’ll buff out. Did the guy die on impact or what
Martin: No he died otw to the hospital
See the disgusting image for yourself below.
Needless to say, Louisiana residents and beyond are not happy that Martin was allowed to leave the scene and is currently not facing any charges related to the accident. As attention to the story gains steam, both the Vernon Parish Sheriff and the Louisiana State Police are responding.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has been contacted by numerous citizens regarding social media posts relating to the incident.
Sheriff Craft states, “I am appalled at the content of the social media messages that were posted after the incident. This post is unacceptable and has no place in our society. The inflammatory words that were used were morally wrong. I have the utmost confidence in the Louisiana State Police and their ability to thoroughly investigate this incident. I encourage any citizen who has information regarding the accident to contact the Louisiana State Police – Troop E, Alexandria, La. (318) 487-5911”.
There is also a significant amount of misinformation circulating indicating that this individual's parents are employed by VPSO. This information is false.
Although the incendiary language used in the social media post is morally and socially unacceptable, the post itself, did not violate any criminal code within Louisiana law.
Sheriff Craft and the employees of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Sherell Lewis Jr.
Louisiana State Police issued a similar statement saying the "investigation is active and ongoing."