Laplace, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police are searching for a driver who struck and killed a pedestrian before fleeing the scene in St. John the Baptist Parish, leaving the victim's body undiscovered for several days.

An update to this article has been published. Read the update.

Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a report of a deceased person on LA 628 near Chaisson Lane on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m. The victim was identified as John Martin, 66, of Montz, Louisiana.

Martin had been reported missing to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office on Oct. 23, 2025, by a family member who had not seen him since the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. Evidence collected at the scene suggested Martin's body had been there for multiple days before investigators arrived.

Troopers determined through investigative techniques and autopsy results that Martin died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run crash. According to preliminary findings, Martin was walking a bicycle in the eastbound lane of LA 628 near Chaisson Lane when a vehicle traveling in the same direction struck him.

The driver continued traveling eastbound without stopping to render aid or report the crash, which constitutes a violation of Louisiana law requiring drivers involved in crashes to stop and provide assistance.

The investigation remains active as troopers work to identify the vehicle and driver responsible for the fatal crash.

Louisiana State Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Troop B at 504-471-2775. Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system at the agency's website or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 800-434-8007.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.