JENNINGS, La. (KLFY) — A Jeff Davis Parish man could serve up to 5 years in prison for the death of a Jennings woman in a car crash in 2023.

Jeffrey Lynn Meche, 65, of Roanoke, Louisiana, was sentenced to 10 years by Judge Steve Gunnell of the 31st Judicial District Court, who suspended all but 5 years, with the first 3 years to be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

District Attorney Lauren Heinen announced the sentence after Meche was convicted of the vehicular homicide of 29-year-old Chelsey Benoit of Jennings.

The crash occurred on Sept. 17, 2023 at the intersection of La. 26 and Hillias Road, just south of Jennings. Prosecutors said Meche was driving northbound on La. 26 when he crossed the center line and struck a vehicle driven by Benoit. Toxicology results confirmed Meche was intoxicated at the time of the crash, officials said. Benoit died at a local hospital following the collision.

“Sentencing is such an important part of the judicial process. It imposes punishment and gives the victim’s family justice,” Heinen said. “Nothing can bring Chelsey back, but this sentence reflects the seriousness of driving under the influence and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. We hope this brings some measure of justice to her family and serves as a reminder about the dangers of impaired driving.”

In Louisiana, vehicular homicide is defined as the killing of a human being caused directly or proximately by a person operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The offense carries a potential sentence of 5 to 30 years imprisonment, with a minimum of three years to be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

In addition to his prison sentence, Meche was ordered to complete a substance abuse program and driver improvement course upon release.

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