Woman Arrested After Fatal Hit-and-Run on Chef Menteur Highway

Police say the suspect works at the New Orleans Family Justice Center

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car side mirror reflecting a faint red light, conveying the stark aftermath of a hit-and-run collision.The damaged side mirror of a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident exposes the grim consequences of a driver fleeing the scene.New Orleans Today

A woman has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on Thursday morning on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans. Authorities say the driver, identified as Shermaine Scipio, works at the New Orleans Family Justice Center and turned herself in after police tracked down the vehicle involved using surveillance footage and other investigative methods.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents are a serious problem in New Orleans, with many drivers fleeing the scene after causing injury or death. This case highlights the importance of thorough police investigations and the consequences that can result when someone fails to stop and render aid after a collision.

The details

According to police, the crash happened around 7:29 a.m. on Thursday in the 4900 block of Chef Menteur Highway. A pedestrian was struck and later died from her injuries. Detectives were able to track the vehicle to the 700 block of Loyola Avenue and identify Scipio as the driver. The impact damaged the front passenger side, windshield, and side mirror of the vehicle. Scipio is now facing a felony hit-and-run charge.

  • The crash occurred around 7:29 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • Scipio turned herself in shortly after 5 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Shermaine Scipio

A woman who works at the New Orleans Family Justice Center and has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident.

New Orleans Family Justice Center

A local organization where the suspect, Shermaine Scipio, is employed.

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What’s next

The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office will identify the victim after notifying the family. The judge will also decide on Scipio's bail and whether she will be allowed to await trial outside of custody.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of drivers taking responsibility and remaining at the scene of a collision, especially when a life is lost. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to improve road safety and hold accountable those who flee the scene of a crash.