UPDATE: Wanted suspect Joneaka Smooth turned herself today (December 12, 2024) to NOPD Traffic Fatality Unit investigators. She is currently being booked on the charges listed in the previously issued press release.

No further information is currently available.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact NOPD Traffic Fatality Unit detectives at (504) 658-6205 or to call Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans anonymously at (504) 822-1111.

ORIGINAL RELEASE: The NOPD is seeking the driver of a vehicle involved in the December 11, 2024 fatal crash that has now claimed two lives.

Fatality investigators are seeking Joneaka Smooth (pictured, Black female, DOB: 12-13-1993). Smooth is wanted on charges of two counts of manslaughter, one count of negligent injury, hit & run and flight from an officer.

Investigators say that at about 7:39 p.m., Smooth was allegedly behind the wheel of 2013 Mercedes GLK that was traveling at a high rate of speed heading East on Interstate 610 when the driver exited at the St. Bernard Avenue off-ramp. The driver failed to negotiate a right hand turn onto St. Bernard Avenue causing the vehicle to cross two lanes of the South bound side of St. Bernard Avenue then struck an elevated grassy median. The forward momentum caused the Mercedes to launch into the air striking a 2022 Toyota Camry.

A 17-year-old female in the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other victims in the Toyota were transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment. Today, one of those victims, a 17-year-old female died of her injuries. The third teenage girl, was at last report, in stable condition.

Investigators say the occupants of the Mercedes fled the scene with one being captured by Jefferson Parish deputies. That 37-year-old woman was then turned over to NOPD for questioning and was later booked by NOPD on a shoplifting warrant from Jefferson Parish. Two other women in the vehicle, including the driver, Joneaka Smooth, remain at large.

The accident remains under investigation. Incidents that occurred prior to the suspect vehicle entering Orleans Parish are being investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Department.

NOPD is asking that Smooth turn herself in. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact NOPD Traffic Fatality Unit detectives at (504) 658-6205 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.