UPDATED: Judge Boothe recovering in hospital after auto accident

Published 12:02 pm Saturday, April 27, 2013

CLAYTON — A two-vehicle accident on Louisiana 425 in Clayton Saturday morning left Seventh Judicial District Judge Leo Boothe recovering in an Alexandria hospital.

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jimmy Watts said the accident occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the foot of the Clayton Bridge.

Watts said Boothe was traveling west on Louisiana 566 attempting to cross Louisiana 425 when he collided with another vehicle driven by Morgan Saulsberry of Sicily Island.

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“The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and we’re still looking into what exactly happened,” Watts said.

Boothe and Saulsberry were both traveling alone in their vehicles at the time of the accident, Watts said.

Boothe was airlifted to Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria shortly after the accident, Watts said.

Saulsberry was transported to Riverland Medical Center with minor cuts on her left arm, Watts said.

CPSO Investigator Phillip Webber said he spoke to Boothe’s family Saturday evening and was told Boothe was recovering in the hospital.

“They managed to stop some bleeding he was having, and as of now he’s doing really well,” Webber said. “He said he wanted to thank all the prayers and support he’s been receiving, and that he’ll be 100 percent by (today).”

Boothe is currently serving a one-year suspension without pay after the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a ruling in March regarding his actions in a 2002 criminal case.

Boothe, 70, has served six terms on the bench. His current term ends Dec. 31, 2014.

Saulsberry apparently had the right of way, as there is no stop sign for Louisiana 425 travelers at the intersection.