Unrestrained Louisiana Man Killed, Driver Arrested for Vehicular Homicide in Three-Vehicle Crash on US 171

DeSoto Parish, Louisiana – An unrestrained Louisiana man was killed and a driver has been arrested for vehicular homicide in a three-vehicle crash on US 171.

On April 21, 2023, Louisiana State Police (LSP) stated that on April 20, just after 3:30 p.m., Troopers from Troop G began investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash on US Highway 171 at Hillside Circle. Danny Miller, 79, of Stonewall, Louisiana, was killed in this crash.

The preliminary investigation found that a 2016 Chevy Silverado driven by Matthew Spillman of Stonewall, Louisiana was going south on US Highway 171 when it approached three stopped automobiles. The first vehicle was a stopped and unloaded school bus with its proper warning devices activated, the second vehicle was a 2018 Ford F-150 stopped in the outside lane behind the school bus, and the third vehicle was a 1977 Ford Bronco driven by Miller that was stopped in the inside lane behind the school bus. According to reports,  Spillman failed to stop for the vehicles and collided with the F-150 for unknown reasons. After hitting the F-150, the Silverado collided with the Bronco.

Miller, who was unrestrained according to authorities, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the F-150 was properly restrained and was not injured. Spillman, who was securely restrained and not harmed, was taken into custody at the crash site. He was taken to the Desoto Parish Jail and charged with vehicular homicide and careless operation. Louisiana State Police indicated that impairment is a suspected factor on the part of Spillman Spillman’s impairment is thought to be a factor. Regular toxicological samples were gathered from all drivers and will be analyzed. This crash is still being investigated.

Troopers are repeatedly witnessing preventable motor vehicle crashes, according to LSP. Impairment and a failure to wear a seat belt are the leading causes of fatal collisions throughout the state. When drinking alcohol, Louisiana State Police advise motorists to have a plan in place that includes a designated driver. Alcohol can impair vision, distort one’s sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills, and affect reaction times. Even just one drink of alcohol can impair a person’s ability to drive safely. Please choose not to drive or travel with an impaired driver, and always buckle up.

So far in 2023, Troop G has investigated nine fatal crashes that resulted in nine deaths.