Vernon Parish District Attorney, Terry Lambright, reports the recent sentencing of McKenzie Pinzino of Missouri. On February 23, 2024, Officers with the New Llano Police Department, while investigating a hit- and-run accident, stopped Pinzino on U.S. Highway 171 just South of the town limits of New Llano. During the traffic stop as officers were obtaining information from Pinzino, she fled the scene at a high rate of speed, traveling South towards the Town of Rosepine.

As Pinzino entered the town limits of Rosepine, Louisiana, and while still fleeing at a high rate of speed, she traveled through the intersection of U.S. Highway 171 and Lewis Road where she collided with another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, Mr. Vernon Jackson, 84 years of age, of Rosepine, was unfortunately killed as a result of the crash. Pinzino was ultimately arrested by the Rosepine Police Department for vehicular homicide among several other traffic offenses.

On January 7, 2025, Mrs. Pinzino pled guilty to vehicular homicide and a sentencing hearing was held on March 19, 2025. On April 9, 2025, Pinzino appeared before the Honorable Judge Scott C. Westerchil, and after careful consideration by the Court of the evidence presented, Pinzino was sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment of 25 years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

“This was a completely avoidable tragedy that cost Mr. Vernon Jackson his life. The decision to flee from law enforcement in the manner that Mrs. Pinzino did put our entire community at great risk.  Such behavior is unacceptable and warrants stiff consequences.  I will continue to work diligently each and every day to ensure the safety of our citizens. I want to thank all law enforcement involved for their cooperation and work on this case,” said Mr. Lambright. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ronald K. Seastrunk.