Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

A five-week-old baby and adult are dead after they were killed in an automobile chase following an alleged theft from a local Walmart. The incident happened Monday, May 9, 2022 around 6:30 PM, according to police reports. The scenario began when a couple was observed stealing baby items from the store. Candace Gill, 38, was allegedly with Edward Williams when they were spotted and fled the scene in a vehicle away from the store. A short time later, the vehicle was seen near Northeast Dr. approaching Hwy 165. Their car was spotted heading south on Hwy 165 when a police officer activated his lights. The occupants ignored his signal, and the police chase began. The vehicle was traveling at a high speed crossing the overpass by the Post Office, nearing a traffic signal not far ahead on Renwick St. Gill allegedly did not stop at the traffic light, going through it and allegedly striking her vehicle with another one at Renwick St. and Hwy 165. Police reports state that the officer at the scene after the crash rushed to render assistance and saw the baby in the vehicle. While the officer was tending to the injured, reports say that Gill managed to escape on foot and got away. Officers on the scene would report that Edward Williams, who was also in the vehicle, succumbed to his injuries. Having suffered severe injuries as had Williams, the baby was quickly taken to a local hospital, where she later died. After acting on a tip, officers arrested Gill in West Monroe Tuesday night, May 10, 2022, and she was taken to Ouachita Correctional Center (OCC). As of press time, no other details such as how Gill managed to get to West Monroe from Hwy 165 and who she may have been with, but two people are now dead in the aftermath of what started at a Walmart. It is an incident that will affect the whole community because things didn't have to end the way they did. According to police reports, two other unidentified persons were injured in the same crash and suffered what were described as non-life-threatening injuries. Gill has been charged with multiple violations that include two counts of Manslaughter, Aggravated Obstruction of a highway, four counts of Negligent Injury, Theft, and several traffic violations. According to additional information from law enforcement, Gill also has active warrants for Theft of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and traffic charges. Police also believe that the baby's injuries/death might be a result of the child not being properly restrained.