Groups call for investigation into handling of case involving Kyren Lacy

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Groups are calling for an investigation into law enforcement’s handling of a case involving former LSU football star Kyren Lacy, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in April after he was charged with negligent homicide.

Louisiana State Police charged Lacy, 24, in January after a crash in Lafourche Parish resulted in the death of Herman Hall, 78. The NFL draft hopeful was accused of reckless driving and speeding. Despite denying he was at fault, Lacy had turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued.

His attorney, Matthew Ory, maintained that Lacy did not cause the crash in a February statement. Months after Lacy’s death, Ory gave an October update in a television interview with HTV, citing an investigative report.

“At the time of impact, he’s 72.6 yards behind the vehicles at the time of impact. Keyword — behind the vehicles. That is not how this story was ever painted. Never,” said Ory in the interview.

In an Oct. 4 statement, State Police said findings during an investigation showed that Lacy’s reckless driving led to the crash, adding, “No one disputes that he was behind the crash scene.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party said an independent investigation is needed and announced lawmakers’ plan to introduce “The Lacy Law.” The legislation would aim to prevent false reporting by law enforcement officers and impose strict penalties for those found to be in violation.

“The recent wrongful accusations made against former LSU football player Kyren Lacy are deeply troubling and represent yet another painful example of how false reporting and reckless actions by certain members of law enforcement can destroy lives and damage public trust,” the part wrote in a statement.

Civil rights group Purposed For the People calls for a full criminal and federal investigation into the officer.

“I have seen too many young Black lives destroyed by lies and deception. This young man’s life was taken once by tragedy and again by the lies used to cover it up. When an officer fabricates a story and manipulates witnesses, it is not a mistake it is a crime against truth and against the people they swore to protect,” Celina Charles, founder of Purposed For The People.

The group plans a peaceful protest in Thibodaux later this month. The protest is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Martin Luther King Park, 900 Ledet Drive.

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