February 24, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Fatal Car Accident Claims Two Lives

A massive two car accident at the intersection of Walker Road and Bert Kouns Industrial Loop claimed the life of a Shreveport mother and son this morning shortly before 2:00 a.m. Killed in the accident were Lisa Duval, 44, and Anthony Duval, 12, both of Shreveport. Fire and police were initially dispatched to the accident scene at 1:52 a.m. Fire Communications 911 operator Mike Honeycutt said numerous calls were received reporting the accident, several from other drivers who witnessed the accident. They were calling in and literally screaming for us to hurry, said Honeycutt.

Minutes later, when the first emergency personnel arrived at the scene they relayed back to 911 dispatchers that they needed additional help. Shreveport Fire Department paramedic Jackie Hutchinson stated that she saw two people on the ground and more in the mangled cars. " I immediately started to triage the patients to determine who was most critical and in need of immediate attention," said Hutchinson. On the ground next to the twisted wreckage of their vehicle were Anthony Duval and his mother Lisa Duval. Fire officials believe both had been ejected from their vehicle on impact. They had been riding in the back seat of a late model mid-sized Oldsmobile, along with 8-year-old Nicole Duval. In the front seat of the Oldsmobile were driver, Nancy Richardson, 30, and passenger, Carol Harkins, 53 - all from Shreveport. Their vehicle was traveling south on Walker Road when it was struck broadside on the back passenger side by an older model Chrysler Fifth Avenue, driven by Steve Edison, 38, of Arlington, Texas. Shreveport Police said that King ran the red light.

An unidentified passerby had attempt to resuscitate young Anthony but paramedics found his injuries incompatible with life. He was declared dead on the scene and covered with a white sheet by firefighters. Lisa Duval was treated and transported to LSU Medical Center where she died later that morning (around 5:00 a.m.) from the extent of her injuries. Fire rescue workers had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate the remaining patients in the Oldsmobile. After being removed Nicole Duval and Carol Harkins were both transported to LSU Medical Center. Lisa was admitted and is currently listed in stable condition. Harkins was treated for her injuries and released. Richardson was evaluated by paramedics on the scene but was not transported to the hospital.

King was not injured in the accident and was taken into custody by police at the scene. He is being charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and driving while under the influence (DWI). As the scene cleared, firefighters and police officers struggled with the emotional toll the incident had clearly taken on them. Visibly shaken, one unidentified firefighter, tears streaming down his face, could be heard saying "My God . . . he was just a little boy." The Duval family was returning home from breakfast at the Pines Road I-Hop when the accident occurred. ###