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Slidell Man Files Federal Lawsuit After Wrongful Arrest in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case
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Slidell Man Files Federal Lawsuit After Wrongful Arrest in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case
A Slidell man who was wrongfully arrested in the 2025 hit-and-run death of 6-year-old Jeremiah Ramirez has filed a federal lawsuit against the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and several current and former members of the agency.
Cody Beaudette alleges deputies failed to conduct a proper investigation before arresting him following the August 13, 2025, crash. The lawsuit names multiple deputies, along with former Sheriff Randy Smith, who was leading the agency at the time.
According to the lawsuit, investigators failed to take basic investigative steps that could have identified the correct suspect sooner.
Beaudette says he was simply driving through the neighborhood on his way to his daughter’s cheerleading meeting when his life changed.
His attorney alleges that evidence pointing to another vehicle was available early in the investigation but was not properly considered. Beaudette’s family has previously stated they located home surveillance footage showing a damaged silver Nissan Armada leaving the area shortly after the crash and attempted to provide that information to investigators.
Sixteen days after the fatal crash, investigators identified a silver Nissan Armada as the suspected vehicle and arrested Connie Noel Estes. The Sheriff’s Office then requested that the vehicular homicide charge against Beaudette be dismissed.
The lawsuit alleges Beaudette suffered significant financial and emotional harm, along with damage to his reputation after being publicly identified as the suspect. It includes claims of false arrest, false imprisonment, and excessive force.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Beaudette says the experience serves as a reminder that anyone can find themselves in a similar situation if an investigation is rushed.
Connie Noel Estes is currently scheduled to stand trial in September on charges related to the fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 6-year-old Jeremiah Ramirez.
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