A pregnant teenager died after being shot during a road rage incident in Louisiana. The 17-year-old has been identified as Katelynn Strate. Prior to her death, Strate’s baby was delivered via emergency C-section at 28 weeks old. According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the baby “is doing well in an area NICU.”
On August 24, 2025, the teen was traveling with two other people, the sheriff’s office noted in a news release. It was around 9 a.m., and they were driving through the Ponchatoula area in a Ford Expedition. An investigation has revealed some of the details about what reportedly transpired when the group encountered another driver, Barry West, 54, on the road.
West was driving in the same direction as the group of three, and “the two vehicles were tailgating and brake-checking each other,” according to the sheriff’s office release. Then, West reportedly shot into the car. Strate, who was sitting in the passenger seat, was shot in the head.
West reportedly thought someone in the Ford Expedition had shot at him first, but according to the sheriff’s office, evidence does not support this claim.
Originally, West was charged with four counts of attempted second degree murder, one count of illegal use of a weapon and obstruction of justice. After Strate’s death, his charges were “upgraded to include one count of 2nd Degree Murder,” the news release noted.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker reminded people to “be patient and considerate when driving, at all times.” He shared in the release, “This is a senseless tragedy on Sunday morning with no logical reason for this family to be experiencing this heartbreak right now.”
A GoFundMe page was started to help raise money to cover funeral expenses and care for the teen’s baby. It’s brought in more than $28,000 thus far.
“We are raising funds in memory of Katelynn Strate, age 17 who tragically lost her life in a road rage incident yesterday morning in Ponchatoula Louisiana while 27 weeks pregnant,” the page reads. “Her baby survived, and we are now seeking help to cover funeral expenses for Katelynn, medical bills, and the essential baby items needed by her grandmother, who will now be caring for the baby.”
