Late on the night of March 31, a joyful teenager’s life in Alexandria ended in a sudden and devastating way. Sixteen‑year‑old Collin Lacaze, a baseball player at Alexandria Senior High, was struck and killed by a driver who left the scene shortly after hitting him and another teen along Eddie Williams Avenue. Police say the vehicle fled moments after impact without stopping to help.
Collin and a 16‑year‑old girl were standing on the shoulder of the road near Tulane Avenue just before 11 p.m. when the crash happened. First responders arrived quickly and rushed both teens to a local medical center with serious injuries. Collin died hours later. The other teen remains hospitalized and is receiving treatment.
Authorities worked through the night to identify the car and the person behind the wheel. By late Wednesday morning, officers with the Alexandria Police Department arrested 45‑year‑old Julius Layfield. He was booked on charges including vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injury, and hit‑and‑run. Officials say Layfield was allegedly driving under the influence when the crash happened.
Family, coaches, classmates and friends gathered in the hours after Collin’s death to share memories of a young man full of life. Teammates remember him as a committed athlete who always showed respect and offered encouragement to others on and off the field. Many spoke of his easy smile and the way he lifted others around him.
At Alexandria Senior High, a somber mood has taken hold. Teachers and students alike have shared how Collin’s absence is being felt across hallways and at baseball practice. The school has tried to support grieving classmates while continuing to honor his contributions to the team. �
Police say they are still investigating why the teens were on the side of the road that night. No further details have been released as the case moves forward and authorities piece together the events leading up to the crash.
Friends and community members have organized informal vigils and prayer gatherings to support Collin’s family, offering space for people to grieve and remember his short but meaningful life. The tragic loss has prompted renewed discussions about road safety and the dangers of impaired driving in the Alexandria area.
