Marksville, Louisiana (May 14, 2024) – Christopher R. McCoy, 23, of Bunkie, pled guilty today in the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse to vehicular homicide in the tragic death of Lauren Vaughn, 20, of Alexandria. The plea deal, reached prior to court proceedings, underscores the devastating outcomes of impaired driving and serves as a somber reminder to the community to abstain from drinking and driving.
McCoy’s admission of guilt included acknowledgment of his intoxication with a blood alcohol level of 0.15, coupled with reckless driving, which led to the untimely death of Lauren Vaughn. In a move to expedite justice, McCoy agreed to waive all appeals and accept a 6-year sentence, commencing on June 3, 2024.
The fatal incident occurred on April 7, 2023, when McCoy, driving a GMC Sierra on Louisiana Highway 1176, lost control of the vehicle, veering into a ditch and colliding with a culvert and a tree. Despite being unrestrained, McCoy sustained moderate injuries, while Lauren Vaughn, who was wearing a seatbelt, tragically lost her life at the scene.
Following the accident, McCoy was arrested by the Louisiana State Police Troop E on charges of vehicular homicide, DWI 1st, reckless operation, no seat belt, and open container. Despite initially pleading not guilty to all charges on August 22, 2023, McCoy ultimately accepted responsibility for his actions in today’s plea agreement.
“The loss of Lauren’s life was 100% preventable. It was a poor decision made by an individual to drive intoxicated. As a community, we must put an end to buzzed, drunk, and impaired driving,” expressed Bridget Vaughn, mother of the victim.
In response to this tragedy, the Lauren Vaughn Memorial Foundation has been actively advocating for justice and raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. The foundation’s efforts include funding a scholarship in Lauren’s honor and promoting responsible decision-making regarding alcohol consumption and driving.
As the community mourns the loss of Lauren Vaughn and grapples with the repercussions of this preventable tragedy, McCoy’s guilty plea serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of drinking and driving. The community must unite in efforts to prevent further loss of life by prioritizing responsible behavior behind the wheel and abstaining from impaired driving.
For more information about the foundation’s initiatives, visit LV5k.com.
