Donnie Ray Harris sentenced for hit-and-run death

A Shreveport man who pleaded guilty to a hit-and-run driving death and a second DWI offense in December must serve almost a decade in prison, a Caddo District Judge has ruled.

Donnie Ray Harris, 69, must serve nine years in prison for hit and run driving resulting in death or serious bodily injury, District Judge Ramona Emanuel ruled Monday, March 2, 2026. Harris pleaded guilty as charged December 9, 2025, to that, and to operating a vehicle while intoxicated second offense, for which he must serve six months concurrently in the parish jail, Judge Emanuel ruled. Harris will be credited for time already served.

On July 22, 2024, Harris was driving east on West 70th Street when he struck the victim, Cornell Brown, 67, who was riding a bicycle. The force of the collision sent Mr. Brown into the air and onto the hood of Harris's vehicle, mortally injuring him. Harris fled the scene without stopping to render aid or provide his identity. Harris was stopped the following day for DWI getting out of the vehicle used in the accident. 

The hit-and-run charge was docket No. 403238. The DWI charge was docket No. 404169.

Harris was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Fernando Grider Jr. He was defended by Shante Wells.