Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright reports that on January 7, 2025, McKenzie Pinzino, 25 of St. Joseph, Missouri, appeared before the Honorable Judge Scott Westerchil and pled guilty to manslaughter, stemming from her arrest in March of 2024, by the Rosepine Police Department. The defendant faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for the offense of manslaughter.

Officers with the New Llano Police Department were investigating a “hit and run” accident on February 23, 2024, when a high-speed pursuit ensued. Pinzino, while attempting to evade police, collided with another vehicle at the intersection of U.S. 171 and Highway 1146 in Rosepine. That vehicle was driven by Vernon Jackson of Rosepine. Mr. Jackson died as a result of the crash.  Pinzino is scheduled to return to court on April 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. for sentencing.

 “This was a tragic situation that senselessly cost someone their life,” said Lambright. I want to commend the New Llano Police Department, Rosepine Police Department and the Louisiana State Police who worked collectively to investigate this case.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ronald Seastrunk.