Oakdale, LA – Civil rights activist Quanell X is calling for accountability after no charges were filed against Lucas Lemaire, the man involved in a fatal car crash that claimed the life of 75-year-old Eddie Brunson on December 14, 2023. The crash, which occurred on Louisiana Highway 10, has left the local community questioning the fairness of the investigation and the justice system’s response.
According to police reports, Lemaire, driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, crossed the centerline and collided head-on with Brunson’s 2018 Ford Escape. Both drivers were seriously injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, but Brunson tragically succumbed to her injuries. Brunson, a beloved member of the community, was wearing her seatbelt, while the investigation is still determining whether Lemaire was properly restrained at the time of the crash.
The absence of charges against Lemaire, a resident of Franklin, has sparked outrage, particularly given the systemic racial disparities in how justice is often delivered. Many in the community feel this case is yet another example of how Black victims frequently receive little to no justice in similar incidents.
Quanell X, a leading voice in civil rights advocacy, expressed his frustration with the case. “Eddie Brunson’s life mattered,” he said. “The fact that no charges have been filed sends a clear message that Black lives are not being valued in our justice system. This is not just about a car accident—it’s about the broader issue of accountability and racial equity.”
The case adds to the alarming statistics reported by Louisiana State Police Troop I, which saw 51 fatal crashes and 56 deaths in 2023 alone. Many fear that without thorough investigation and accountability, incidents like this will continue to disproportionately affect Black communities, where justice is often elusive.
Brunson’s family and local activists are now rallying behind Quanell X, determined to see that her death is not in vain. Their hope is that Eddie Brunson’s legacy will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in how such cases are handled, ensuring that justice and fairness are extended to all.
The demand for answers continues to grow, as Quanell X and the Oakdale community call for transparency, justice, and respect for Black lives.
