NEW ORLEANS, LA – A fatal crash on Wednesday night has claimed the life of two teenagers, including 17-year-old Giselle Smith, after a vehicle fleeing Jefferson Parish deputies collided with their car. The accident occurred around 7:39 p.m. at the intersection of St. Bernard Avenue and Interstate 610.
Giselle, a senior at West Jefferson High School in Harvey, was pronounced dead at the scene. Known for her cheerful personality, Giselle was a member of the school’s basketball team and band. Her family described her as caring, fun-loving, and full of promise. Another 17-year-old girl, described by relatives as a close friend and fellow senior, succumbed to her injuries the following day. Giselle’s 21-year-old sister, who was also in the vehicle, remains hospitalized with a head injury.
The crash unfolded during a brief police pursuit initiated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Deputies began following a red SUV after it fled Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, where three women were suspected of shoplifting. The pursuit was called off just a minute later near the Canal Boulevard exit on Interstate 610. However, moments later, the SUV lost control and crashed into the vehicle carrying Giselle and her companions.
Three women fled from the crashed SUV, but deputies detained one, identified as a 37-year-old suspect wanted for shoplifting. The alleged driver, 31-year-old Joneaka Smooth, is now wanted on charges including two counts of manslaughter, negligent injuring, and hit-and-run.
The tragedy has devastated the Smith family, who were already grieving the loss of their mother, Zena Kiper, to cancer just five months ago. Giselle, the youngest of 11 siblings, was remembered for her infectious smile, love of dancing, and aspirations to become a Realtor. “She wasn’t given a chance,” her sister, Jaquanda Kiper, said. “She had so much to look forward to in life, and it was taken away from her.”
The family now mourns Giselle while holding vigil for her sister’s recovery. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash or suspects to contact the New Orleans Police Department as investigations continue.