Tragic Verdict in Shreveport: Man Convicted in Deaths of Mother and Daughter
Shreveport, La. – In a heart-wrenching tale that has gripped the community, a local man has been found guilty of manslaughter in the tragic deaths of a mother and her young daughter. The verdict came down on Wednesday, after a jury deliberated for about an hour in the Caddo District Court. The defendant, Terrance Malik Dangerfield, 26, was convicted on two counts of manslaughter along with multiple firearms charges related to the horrific incident that took place back in January 2023.
A Day of Heartbreak
On that fateful day, January 10, 2023, Faith Alexander, 31, and her precious 4-year-old daughter, Amelia Ellis, lost their lives in a shocking hit-and-run crash. According to evidence presented in court, Dangerfield was driving recklessly at high speed when an officer attempted to pull him over. Instead of complying, he ran a red light and collided violently with Alexander’s vehicle, leading to the devastating accident.
The scene was chaotic. Dangerfield’s car was located later on the scene, revealing over two pounds of marijuana and two firearms inside. Witnesses described the moments leading up to the crash as Dangerfield drove erratically off the highway, endangering innocent lives along the way.
Justice Served
The prosecution had a tough job, calling a total of 14 witnesses to paint a vivid picture of the events that led to this tragic loss. They were able to illustrate how Dangerfield’s recklessness not only destroyed the lives of Alexander and Ellis but sent shockwaves through the Shreveport community. The jury, comprised of six men and six women, wasted no time in reaching their decisive verdict: guilty of all charges.
Now, as the community mourns the loss of a mother and her daughter, Dangerfield awaits his sentence, which is scheduled for December 12. There’s an ominous cloud hovering over him as prosecutors plan to file a multiple offender bill, which could enhance his sentence significantly. If it’s confirmed that he is a fourth-time felony offender, he could face a daunting sentence ranging from 40 years to life for each manslaughter conviction.
A Community in Mourning
The aftermath of the incident has left a deep scar in Shreveport. Many in the community are grappling with the pain of this loss. Friends and family of Faith and Amelia have gathered to remember them, sharing stories of their vibrant lives and the joy they brought to those around them. The grief is palpable; it’s a heavy cloud that looms over the city.
The Assistant District Attorneys, Christopher Bowman and Kodie Smith, expressed their hope that this verdict brings a bit of solace to the grieving families. The defense, led by Greg Johnson, faced a tough battle with overwhelming evidence against their client, leaving Dangerfield in a precarious position.
Looking Ahead
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the real consequences of reckless behavior on the road. As the community gathers to remember Faith and Amelia, there’s an urgent call for safer driving practices and increased awareness of the dangers posed by driving under the influence or with controlled substances.
As the sentencing date approaches, the people of Shreveport can only hope that the outcome will at least serve to underscore the importance of accountability on our roads. The recent events remind us that a lapse in judgment can lead to irreversible consequences. May Faith and Amelia rest in peace, and may their story serve as a cautionary tale for all.
