NOPD Arrests Three Individuals in Connections with Fatal Hit and Run in Treme

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NEW   ORLEANS, LA—After conducting a thorough investigation over the past five   weeks, today, the NOPD Traffic Division Fatality Unit announced the   arrests of three individuals wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run   incident that occurred on July 27, 2014 at the intersection of North   Claiborne Avenue and Columbus Street. The incident left 37-year-old Daphne   Cola dead.

25-year-old   Darrin Smith was arrested Wednesday afternoon on one count of Manslaughter   and one count of Possession of Stolen Property. The NOPD believes Smith was   the driver of the ATV during the incident. 

25-year-old Sadie Brown was arrested Wednesday afternoon on one count of   Accessory to Manslaughter and one count of Possession of Stolen Property. The   NOPD believes Brown was the passenger riding on the ATV during the   incident.

26-year-old Matthew Cousan was arrested Tuesday night on one count of   Accessory to Manslaughter and one count of Obstruction of Justice. The NOPD   believes Cousan played a role in helping Brown leave the scene.

"These arrests are a direct result of a strong collaboration between law   enforcement and the community on the investigation into this tragic   incident," said Lt. Anthony Micheu, Commander of   the NOPD Traffic Division. "After reviewing several hours of   video surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence and   sifting through dozens of tips from the community, I am proud that our   detectives are now able to bring the individuals responsible to   justice."

The NOPD believes Smith and Brown were travelling on a stolen ATV at a high   rate of speed on North Claiborne Ave just before midnight on July 27 when   Smith lost control of the ATV and struck Cola and a parked vehicle. The ATV   flipped several times ejecting Smith and Brown onto the roadway. Both Smith   and Brown walked away from the wreckage and never returned. Cola was   transported from the scene to the hospital where she later died. 

The NOPD Traffic Division Fatality Unit, along with the NOPD Intelligence   Unit, State Police Crime Lab and NOPD Violence Offenders Warrants   Squad have been working around the clock on this investigation. In   addition, NOPD and Crimestoppers received several tips from citizens that   have led police to the individuals who may have been involved. 

The investigation is on-going.

NOPD Traffic Fatality Investigator Edgar Edwards is leading the   investigation.

Citizens   with information that can help solve this crime is asked to call   CRIMESTOPPERS at 822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP(7867) or Text your   crime tip to C-R-I-M-E-S (274637), Text TELLCS then your crime   information.  You could receive a cash reward of up to $2,500 for   information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person(s)   responsible. You do not have to give your name nor testify to receive the   reward. Citizens can also submit an   anonymous tip online.

Whoever   becomes an accessory after the fact shall be fined not more than five hundred   dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than five   years, or both; provided that in no case shall his punishment be greater than   one-half of the maximum provided by law for a principal offender.