Rena Noi Onevathana charged in the death of Jeremie Leblanc of Edmonton

A second driver has been charged in relation to a three vehicle collision that killed 16-year-old Jeremie Leblanc of Edmonton on Friday, April 23, 2010.

Traffic Section arrested the second accused in this incident on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. Rena Noi Onevathana, a 31-year-old male from Edmonton, has been charged with fail to remain at the scene of an accident causing death, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle by street racing causing death.

Background [Released on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010]:

On Friday, April 23, 2010, 16-year-old Jeremie Leblanc of Edmonton was killed when his car was struck by two vehicles traveling north bound on 66 St. at 31 Ave. at a high rate of speed.

On Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, charges were laid against one of the drivers that struck Leblanc’s vehicle. Jayant Soni, 31, of Edmonton, was charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle by street racing causing death and one count of refusal to provide a breath sample causing death.

The investigation is ongoing with charges pending against the second driver.

Background [released on Saturday, April 24]: At approximately 11:30 p.m. Fri, Apr. 23, a white 2007 Lexus IS250 and a silver 2005 Mercedes Benz were travelling northbound on 66 Street approaching 31 Avenue. At about the same time a green 1999 Oldsmobile Alero was traveling south on 66 Street approaching 31 Avenue. The Oldsmobile then proceeded to turn left onto 31 Avenue eastbound, across the path of the Lexus and the Mercedes. The Lexus and the Mercedes collided with the Oldsmobile. The driver and passenger of the Lexus fled the scene on foot prior to police arrival.

The 16-year-old driver of the Oldsmobile was rushed to hospital with critical injuries and succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The 31-year-old driver of the Mercedes received minor injuries and was charged for refusing to provide a breathe sample to police.