Man charged over horrific crash that killed young mother of three

Beaumont— The Jefferson County grand jury has indicted a suspect on manslaughter under the influence of alcohol in a crash that killed a young mother when she was pinned between two vehicles. Her three children tragically witnessed the collision while they were in the car.

Ronnie Linder Jr., 52, of Port Neches faces two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.

According to an affidavit, Linder was drunk when his car left Interstate 10 on June 19 and struck the LaQuanta Pike car in the parking lot of the Super 8 Motel in Beaumont.

She was trapped between both cars and a child was thrown to the sidewalk and suffered a head injury.

A BPD officer arrived and saw Pike lying on the ground, still breathing but unable to speak.

The officer spoke with Linder and said he showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, glassy eyes, a strong odor of alcohol and poor balance. The officer arrested Linder after he failed field sobriety tests.

Pikes' mother set up a GoFundMe and posted this statement after her death:

My beloved daughter LaQuanta Pikes tragically passed away on June 21, 2024. LaQuanta was a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, Machai Forest (14), Cameron Charles (7), and Egypt Thomas (4). LaQuanta was a strong, loving young woman who dedicated her life to her children, family and friends. LaQuanta had a wonderful spirit and touched many people's lives in the 33 years she was here. She is survived by her three children, her mother Anita Pikes and her sister Bre Pikes.

On June 19, 2024, LaQuanta was struck by a drunk driver with her vehicle while attempting to help her children out of her vehicle. Unfortunately, all three children witnessed this tragic event. She was immediately taken to hospital where emergency surgery was performed. She was subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit and passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024.

We are deeply shocked by LaQuanta's death and were unprepared for the high cost of a memorial service. I also take care of my three grandchildren. We want to give LaQuanta the memorial she deserves to honor her memory and say our final goodbyes.

We are asking for donations to cover the cost of LaQuanta's funeral services as well as the cost of moving her back to my hometown of Louisiana and her children so they have a stable home. Please consider donating if you are able as any amount will really help our family during this difficult time.