Tashonty Toney, the man accused of killing two bicyclists and injuring several others on Esplanade Avenue in March, is accused in a 16-count indictment, the New Orleans District Attorney's Office announced today.
"Tashonty Toney was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, six counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, one count of vehicular negligent injuring, and seven counts of hit-and-run driving in a 16-count indictment handed up by an Orleans Parish special grand jury," reads a statement from District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro's office.
"Toney, 32, was captured at the scene after wrecking his black 2018 Camaro into the neutral ground at the end of a five-block path of destruction along Esplanade Avenue in Mid-City. The crimes occurred around 8:15 p.m. on March 2, shortly after the Krewe of Endymion's Mardi Gras parade had passed nearby."
The crash killed 27-year-old Sharee walls of New Orleans and 31-year-old David Hynes of Seattle.
Seven other people were hurt in the incident.
Prosecutors say Toney's blood-alcohol level was 0.215 at the time. As such, the vehicular homicide charge is classified as a violent crime. Toney, if convicted, would have to serve at least 75 percent of his sentence on those charges, which could range from five to 30 years in prison for each count. Additionally, the D.A.'s office says Toney would be required to serve each homicide conviction consecutively.