Driver Pleads Guilty in Deadly, Fiery Crash on Highway 80 in Greenwood

Shreveport Man Admits to Vehicular Homicide

A 42-year-old man from Shreveport has pleaded guilty to the charge of vehicular homicide after his involvement in a multi-car pileup in Greenwood that led to one fatality. Further, several other individuals, including a child, have been seriously injured in the horrific accident.

Stephen Scott Stasny is due for sentencing on July 1st. As per the verdict, he could face a prison tenure ranging from five to thirty years. The judgment also stipulates that he must serve at least three years without the assistance of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. Stasny is also liable to pay a fine amount of $2,000 to $15,000.

Details of the Deadly Collision

The lethal crash occurred on May 27, 2022, for which Stasny admitted guilt on May 6. According to the district attorney’s office, he was driving westbound on Highway 80 in his Toyota Tundra when he drifted across the central line. This abrupt maneuver forced an oncoming driver to abruptly swerve to the guardrail to avert a direct collision with Stasny.

The other driver recounted seeing in their rear-view mirror how Stasny’s truck subsequently crashed head-on into James Dowden’s truck, triggering a violent explosion. The impact was such that Dowden’s vehicle caught fire instantly, leading to his tragic demise.

In the ensuing chaos, Stasny’s out-of-control vehicle flipped over and landed atop a third pickup truck, which also erupted into flames. Tragically, a woman and her child were inside the third vehicle, both of whom sustained severe injuries in the fiery mishap.

Drug Influence

Per the district attorney’s office, several prescription medicines and multiple Schedule I narcotics were discovered inside Stasny’s toppled vehicle. A subsequent toxicology report confirmed that Stasny was under the influence of several narcotics at the time of the accident, leading to the charges of vehicular homicide.

Upcoming Sentencing

Stasny will return to court for his sentencing on July 1st. He is liable to a fine between $2,000 and $15,000, and potentially facing a prison sentence lasting from five to thirty years. Furthermore, Stasny must serve at least three years without the benefits of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

In this chilling reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence, our thoughts remain with the victims and their families. Measures to increase road safety and rigorous check against driving while intoxicated must be enhanced to prevent such tragic incidents.